PNW Remains Very Dry

It may be winter, but the Pacific Northwest is still dealing with serious drought conditions.

According to the latest drought monitor numbers published late last week, nearly 19% of Oregon is under a D-4, or Exceptional Drought. Meanwhile over 63% is under a D-3, or Extreme Drought. While those numbers are week-over-week improvements, it shows that the state is much dryer now compared to this time last year. Only 2% of Oregon is on par where it should be this time of year.

The state of Washington is in much better shape, with nearly 40% of the state with soil moisture levels where they should be for this time of year. Just over 11% of Washington, primarily the southern part of the state, is under an Extreme Drought.

Meanwhile in Idaho, none of the state is on par with typical soil moisture levels. But most of the drought across the state is a D-2, or Severe Drought.

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