Umatilla Co. Commissioners approve county drought declaration
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – With all of Umatilla County in moderate or severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, county commissioners approved a drought emergency declaration during their meeting Wednesday.
The declaration serves as the initial step in requesting aid for drought-related issues. Umatilla County Emergency Manager Sage Delong said the resolution and supporting documentation will be submitted to the Oregon Water Resources Department. That agency will then report to the governor to determine if a state drought declaration is warranted.
If the state decides to issue a drought declaration it would allow for aids such as emergency water permits and temporary water transfers. It would then move on to the federal level where additional federal assistance could be made available which could include emergency loans and crop loss assistance.
Despite recent rainfall, officials warned of a grim outlook for the summer months due to low reservoir levels and a lack of snowpack.
“Snowpack acts as a natural reservoir across the landscape, slowly releasing water into the soil, streams, and reservoirs during the spring and summer months,” Delong said.
George Perry, a service hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Pendleton, said snow monitors in the Blue Mountains and the John Day Basin are currently at roughly 40% of normal levels. He attributed the deficit to warmer-than-average temperatures.
“While we’ve been getting fairly close to normal amounts of precipitation, it’s been mainly falling as rain,” Perry said.
Recent U.S. Drought Monitor Map from commissioners meeting packet, showing the county in moderate (tan) and severe (orange) drought conditions.
