A record fourth year of drought in the Yakima Basin is likely
The Yakima Valley hasn’t experienced four consecutive years of drought since record-keeping began in the late 19th century. That could change this year, as the window closes for snowpack to build across the Cascades.
Snow cover and snow depth have been at their lowest levels in decades across the Western U.S., raising concerns about water shortages and wildfires this summer. While some officials remain hopeful for snow in the late winter and early spring, others are sounding the alarm about the drought already.
Based on historical records, the snowpack is unlikely to be made up in the coming months, Deputy Washington State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco told reporters during a news conference on the snowpack drought on Feb. 12.
“If the Upper Yakima was to receive normal snow every day, it would only receive 50% snowpack by April,” Bumbaco said.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/25/a-record-fourth-year-of-drought-in-the-yakima-basin-is-likely/