NRCS: Washington Snowpack Close To Normal

After a very slow start, the 2018-19 snowpack across Washington has rebounded nicely.

“We’re pretty much in that normal range, what we call the normal range, between 90% and 110%, and with just a few areas, mainly on the westside that are just slightly below that," said NRCS' Scott Pattee.  "But other than that, we’re in pretty good shape.”

Pattee says the higher elevations have enjoyed not only good snow density, but temperatures cool enough to keep the pack in place.  As far as the local basins are concerned:

• The Lower Columbia is at 69% of average – the lowest figure in the state
• The Lower Snake is 99% of average
• The Walla Walla is 113% of average
• The Lower Yakima is at 93% of average
• The Upper Yakima is 91%k of normal
• The Central Columbia is 94% of average
• The Upper Columbia is 98% of average
• The Spokane is 87% of average

While the long-range weather forecast calls for less snow during the rest of the winter than normal, Pattee remains optimistic.

“I feel that if we can continue the normal storm cycles, that we would get, even if it is a little warmer than normal, I think we’ll be alright.  We just have to continue to get those storms.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com