WASHINGTON STATEWIDE DROUGHT DECLARED: WHAT WASHINGTON POTATO GROWERS SHOULD KNOW

Washington State Department of Ecology has issued a statewide drought emergency following one of the lowest snowpack years in recent decades, raising concerns heading into the 2026 growing season. Despite receiving 104% of normal precipitation this winter, much of it fell as rain rather than snow, leaving mountain snowpack at about 50% of normal. Snowpack is critical for gradually supplying water through spring and summer, and without it, rivers are expected to run lower, water temperatures may increase, and irrigation supplies could tighten across key agricultural regions.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that parts of Washington have experienced drought conditions and the fourth statewide drought since 2015, highlighting a growing trend. Warmer winter temperatures, among the third warmest on record, contributed to rapid snowmelt and poor snowpack development. Long-range forecasts call for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through June, increasing the likelihood of water shortages during peak irrigation demand.

For potato growers, impacts may include reduced irrigation allocations, delayed or reduced planting decisions, and increased wildfire risk in some regions. The drought declaration allows the Washington Department of Ecology to accelerate emergency water transfers and provide up to $3 million in drought response grants to help mitigate impacts. Growers are encouraged to plan early, evaluate irrigation efficiency, and monitor local water district guidance as conditions develop.

With snowpack droughts becoming more frequent, projected to occur 7 out of 10 years by the 2050s, preparation and water conservation will continue to play an increasingly important role for Washington potato production moving forward.