Washington Declares Statewide 'Snowpack Drought'

Ecology director cites third-smallest snowpack in four decades as reason for declaration

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:54am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a vast, snow-covered mountain range under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world, with the snowpack-depleted mountains dwarfing any human presence.The declaration of a statewide drought in Washington reflects the growing challenges the state faces in managing its precious water resources.Union Gap Today

The Washington Department of Ecology has declared a statewide drought, citing the third-smallest snowpack in the past four decades as the reason for the declaration. Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller made the announcement on April 8 at the department's office in Union Gap.

Why it matters

The declaration of a statewide drought in Washington is a significant event, as it signals the severity of the state's water supply issues and the potential impact on agriculture, ecosystems, and communities. Low snowpack levels can lead to reduced water availability for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation, posing challenges for the state's economy and environment.

The details

The Ecology Department's drought declaration is in response to the state's snowpack levels, which are the third-lowest in the past 40 years. This reduced snowpack will likely lead to lower water levels in rivers, streams, and reservoirs, affecting water availability for various uses throughout the state.

  • The drought declaration was made on April 8, 2026.

The players

Casey Sixkiller

The director of the Washington Department of Ecology, who announced the statewide drought declaration.

Washington Department of Ecology

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Washington's natural resources, including water supplies.

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What they’re saying

“It was important for us to be here in Yakima to announce it,”

— Casey Sixkiller, Ecology Director

What’s next

The Ecology Department will work with local communities and stakeholders to implement water conservation measures and manage the impacts of the drought. The department may also seek additional state or federal resources to support drought relief efforts.

The takeaway

The declaration of a statewide drought in Washington highlights the growing challenges the state faces in managing its water resources due to climate change and other environmental factors. This event underscores the need for long-term, sustainable water management strategies to ensure the state's communities, economy, and ecosystems can withstand future droughts.