Snowpack levels below average, but much of Harney County still not at drought level
By Griffin Beach on Friday, February 6th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY – Southeastern Oregon’s snowpack is well below average, mirroring a statewide trend.
Monitors at Fish Creek, Snow Mountain and Silvies all showed less than 50% of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s snow water equivalent as of Wednesday. The Silvies monitor on Steens Mountain recorded the lowest levels at 11%. The Fish Creek monitor is also in the Steens Mountain area and was at 31%
Despite the low snowpack, much of Harney County does not currently have a drought designation, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. Maps on the agency’s website show the western half of the county with 60-day precipitation percentages above normal, while other areas, including Steens Mountain, remain below normal.
