Central Oregon Faces Worsening Drought Conditions

Snowpack and groundwater levels decline, raising concerns for water supply

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a continued drought, with the Central Oregon region facing declining snowpack, groundwater levels, and surface water flows. While the City of Sisters is better positioned than some areas, the overall water situation in the region is worrisome, with concerns about the impact on agriculture, rural residential wells, and the long-term sustainability of the water supply.

Why it matters

The drought conditions in Central Oregon have far-reaching implications, affecting the region's water resources, agricultural industry, and residential water supply. As groundwater levels decline and surface water sources become more scarce, it raises questions about the long-term viability of the region's water management and the need for conservation efforts and potential artificial groundwater recharge.

The details

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) reported that the Upper Deschutes Water Basin, which encompasses about 4,500 square miles, is experiencing low snowpack levels at 31% of the annual average, the third worst year in the last 50 years. Groundwater levels in the basin have been declining, with an average annual decline of 2.5 feet since 2000. The Wickiup reservoir is currently 88% full, but this water is being reserved to preserve the habitats of endangered species, leaving less available for agricultural needs. Rural residential wells, which are typically shallower than the City of Sisters' deep municipal wells, are at risk of going dry in the coming years.

  • The OWRD presented the basin's status to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on March 2, 2026.
  • The region's precipitation records indicate that 8 out of the last 12 years were below the median, with only 4 years above the median (calculated from 1895 to the current year).
  • In the mid-1990s, the basin's average groundwater level was declining about 1 foot annually, but since 2000, the decline has increased to an average of 2.5 feet per year.

The players

Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD)

The state agency responsible for managing and regulating water resources in Oregon.

Jerry Giffin

OWRD Deschutes Basin Water Master, who presented the basin's status to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.

Joe Kemper

OWRD Groundwater Hydrologist, who presented the basin's groundwater information to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.

Phil Chang

Deschutes County Commissioner, who noted the City of Sisters' water supply is only from groundwater and discussed the challenges facing rural residential property owners with shallow wells.

Jordan Wheeler

City Manager of the City of Sisters, who discussed the city's robust groundwater source and infrastructure plans, as well as the importance of water conservation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Although the Wickiup reservoir is currently 88 percent full, Giffin said that the status of Crescent Lake at 25 percent full, "is indicative of the [area's surface water] in general." Wickiup is 88 percent full because a large amount of water will be released to preserve the natural habitats of the federally identified endangered species bull trout and spotted frogs. That water is not available to meet agricultural needs.”

— Jerry Giffin, OWRD Deschutes Basin Water Master (The Nugget Newspaper)

“Giffin said that the snowpack that feeds the Basin is at 31 percent of the annual average, "the third worst year in the last 50 years." Giffin added that total precipitation is 80 percent of normal and warned that another 30 inches of snowpack are needed by April to get up to average.”

— Jerry Giffin, OWRD Deschutes Basin Water Master (The Nugget Newspaper)

“In the mid 1990s the Basin's average groundwater level was declining about one foot annually, but since 2000, Kemper shared the decline increased to an annual average of 2.5 feet.”

— Joe Kemper, OWRD Groundwater Hydrologist (The Nugget Newspaper)

“Wheeler added, "Despite [the City's] robust groundwater source and infrastructure plans, an important part of our water system [planning] is to implement and encourage conservation of our water resources.”

— Jordan Wheeler, City Manager of the City of Sisters (The Nugget Newspaper)

What’s next

The Deschutes County leaders and water management agencies will need to determine how to slow or reverse the groundwater level declines, potentially through increased water conservation efforts and exploring artificial groundwater recharge options.

The takeaway

The worsening drought conditions in Central Oregon highlight the need for comprehensive water resource management and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's water supply, especially as climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and groundwater levels.