UPDATE: Umatilla County has officially declared a drought, impacting farmers and local water supplies throughout the region. This urgent announcement came during a regular meeting on March 4, 2023, when county officials confirmed that moderate drought conditions encompass the entire county, with approximately 50% experiencing severe drought.
County emergency manager Sage Delong reported that the situation has worsened despite some recent precipitation. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that drought conditions are particularly severe on the eastern side of the county. Delong emphasized, “These conditions persist despite recent precipitation and reflect an ongoing seasonal deficit impacting soil moisture, runoff potential, and water supply outlook.”
The National Weather Service has highlighted alarming trends, with precipitation levels significantly below normal, contributing to decreased soil moisture and raising doubts about spring runoff conditions. Snowpack levels are also troubling, estimated to be 15% to 45% below median levels, which could severely limit irrigation water availability this growing season.
If drought conditions continue, the implications could be dire, potentially restricting municipal water supplies and exacerbating wildfire risks. The county’s declaration enables the governor to declare a state of emergency, unlocking vital resources for farmers and ranchers in need.
Board Chair Dan Dorran stated that state endorsement of the drought declaration would facilitate federal funding for agricultural producers and enhance partnerships with state agencies. “As long as the declaration is endorsed by the state, then it allows for federal funding for agricultural producers,” Dorran noted. He expects a decision from the governor regarding the emergency declaration within two weeks.
Local water expert JR Cook, founder of the Northeast Oregon Water Association, emphasized the benefits of the declaration, particularly for water transfers from the Columbia River. “The declaration just makes it, in a short water year, easier and quicker for (the state) to get the water we have to the most valuable crops,” he said.
Although it may seem premature for such a declaration, farmers are eager to understand their water situation for the upcoming year. With snowpack levels below half of the median, Cook expressed that there’s no feasible way to recover from this shortfall, even with a wet spring. “I do not anticipate us not needing this declaration,” he warned.
The situation is further complicated by rising input costs, including fuel and fertilizer prices, exacerbated by global conflicts. “We’re too far along to not see major impacts,” Cook added. “This is probably one of the worst perfect storms for agriculture we have seen for decades.”
Despite the challenges, Umatilla County has been proactive in developing a resilient regional water system over the past decade. Cook highlighted that improvements in aquifer storage and recovery have been essential for building a sustainable water supply. “If we did not have those this year, we’d be in really bad trouble,” he stated.
As the drought declaration unfolds, farmers in Umatilla County brace for a challenging year ahead. The anticipated state emergency declaration could alleviate some pressures, allowing producers to better plan their growing seasons and mitigate the looming impacts of this severe drought. Local stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as developments unfold, with the hope that state intervention will provide the necessary support for the agricultural community.
