Northwest State-Level Drought Information

Included below is a collection of state-level drought information from a variety of sources for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. This is a living document that will be updated as new information becomes available.

For USDA disaster assistance programs to help farmers and ranchers recover from a natural disaster, including drought, see this document.

• Alaska

  For a graphic representation of recent climate and weather events across the state, check out the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment & Policy’s Weather and Interactive Climate Highlights Map. Compare events like high temperature or wildfire across the state and various time periods since 2013.

  Find out how Critical Water Management Areas in Alaska are used to manage water shortages in Alaska.

  Check out the drought map for Alaska, updated weekly. It is a clickable and downloadable map that includes drought statistics and allows users to select and find details for National Weather Service area regions.

  Do you need a current and historic drought graphs and statistics? Find graphs, a clickable drought map, and a table of simple stats, including drought categories and percentage of the state impacted by drought. The National Integrated Drought Information System updates the product each Thursday.

  Looking for hourly or daily snowpack data? Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alaska Snow Survey information, along with related products, can help inform water supply management, flood control and conservation planning, climate modeling, and recreation.

  If you need basin-scale, state-wide precipitation and snowpack maps, along with streamflow forecasts and snowpack quality details, check out the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Snow Survey Reports (four per winter).

• Idaho

  Check out the University of Idaho Extension’s comprehensive list of drought-related resources, including irrigation scheduling, irrigation system management and maintenance; and agriculture-specific drought management information on sugar beets, cereals, alfalfa, corn, livestock, and more. .

  Current, downloadable drought maps and drought statistics can be accessed from the US Drought Monitor map, updated weekly.

  Find current and historical drought declarations for Idaho in the Idaho Water Resources Department drought emergency declarations database.

  The Idaho Office of Emergency Management Drought Risk Assessment is a source of drought-related information, including projected climate impacts, vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies, drought history, and the drought declaration process.

  If you’re looking for rangelands drought information, check out the Idaho Department of Agriculture Rangeland Drought page with up to date information on drought management resources.

  For monthly climate statistics for southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon Check out Sage Winds, an official blog of the National Weather Service Boise.

  Do you need a current and historic drought graphs and statistics? Find graphs, a clickable drought map, and a table of simple stats, including drought categories and percentage of the state impacted by drought. The National Integrated Drought Information System updates the product each Thursday.

  Looking for seasonal snow and water supply information for Idaho? Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Snow Survey data and related water supply products can help inform water supply management, flood control and conservation planning, climate modeling, and recreation. 

• Oregon

  Interested in information about how to prepare your farm for drought? Check out the Oregon Department of Agriculture Drought and Disaster Resources page for drought and disaster assistance information.

  Looking for information on current water conditions for Oregon? Find the water conditions report, the drought water right summary report and others at the Oregon Water Resources Department drought page.

  Find water conservation tips for farmers, ranchers, water municipalities, or households in this series of two-page tip sheets from the Department of Water Resources.

  Here is a downloadable version of current drought maps and drought statistics for Oregon. Check out the State Drought Monitor map, updated weekly.

  Do you need a current and historic drought graphs and statistics? Find graphs, a clickable drought map, and a table of simple stats, including drought categories and percentage of the state impacted by drought. The National Integrated Drought Information System updates the product each Thursday.

  Drought declaration process or emergency tools for water rights holders are available on the Oregon State Water Resources Department, see this two-pager for details and contact information.

  Find a map of Oregon counties with declared drought status on the Oregon Water Resources Department’s Drought Declaration Status Map.   

  Oregon Drought Readiness Council is a standing body compromised of federal and state natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies that oversee requests for drought aid from counties. 

  Check out snowpack data and streamflow forecasts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon Snow Survey. Data and related products can help inform water supply management, flood control and conservation planning, climate modeling, and recreation.

• Washington

  Want a one-stop shop for Washington’s water monitoring data? Find a variety of information sources on surface and groundwater supply, climate forecasts, and agricultural reservoir status from the Department of Ecology.

  Need up to date information on state-wide drought conditions for Washington? Check out the Department of Ecology’s landing page for state drought information, including the state’s drought response process.

  Washington’s 2020 drought preparedness law allows state agencies to support water users before drought is declared.

  Looking for a downloadable version of current drought maps and drought statistics for Washington? Check out the State Drought Monitor map, updated weekly.

  Do you need a current and historic drought graphs and statistics? Find graphs, a clickable drought map, and a table of simple stats, including drought categories and percentage of the state impacted by drought. The National Integrated Drought Information System updates the product each Thursday.

  Find snowpack data and streamflow forecasts at Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Washington Snow Survey to help inform water supply management, flood control and conservation planning, climate modeling, and recreation.