Oregon is experiencing one of the driest springs and summers in over a century, with severe drought primarily affecting the Willamette Valley. This lack of rainfall poses significant risks for the upcoming wildfire season and threatens salmon populations. According to state climatologist Larry O’Neill, Oregon has recorded its third driest and third warmest spring and summer—covering April to August—since records began in 1895. “We received only about half of our typical precipitation during this period,” O’Neill stated.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that nearly 75% of the state is facing abnormally dry conditions or varying levels of drought. More than half of Oregon is classified as being in “severe drought,” particularly in the Willamette Valley. Snowpack levels in the Cascades, which were normal earlier this year, have rapidly diminished, leading to streams in the Willamette Valley running at near-record lows.
Oregon is not alone in its drought challenges, as severe and extreme drought conditions are affecting large areas of the Pacific Northwest. The majority of both Washington and Idaho are also experiencing significant drought. Changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and altered snowpack—all exacerbated by human-induced climate change—are increasing the likelihood of drought in Oregon and throughout the western United States.
The low water levels in streams and rivers can impede salmon migration, as they require specific water flow and temperature conditions for spawning. This can lead to decreased salmon populations, impacting not only the species itself but also the ecosystems and communities that rely on them. Drier conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires, which can devastate wildlife habitats, air quality, and human communities. The combination of dry vegetation and high temperatures creates an environment ripe for wildfires.
Fortunately, there is some moisture on the horizon. The National Weather Service is forecasting a “fall-like frontal system” that will bring widespread rain starting tomorrow evening. Coastal areas might receive over an inch of rain, while interior valleys are expected to collect between a tenth and three-quarters of an inch before the storm moves out by Sunday.
