Climate Matters: How much water is in Washington’s snowpack?

Snowpack is an important source of water for Washington. Reservoirs also help store water from snowmelt, releasing it as needed throughout the dry season. This year’s drought has renewed conversations about the amount of water in our snowpack and reservoirs, and just how much we can rely on each for meeting water demand in the future. 

Early June Climate Outlook

Key Messages:

ENSO-neutral conditions are still present, but a transition to El Niño is expected very soon. El Niño is likely to continue to strengthen into the fall. 

The summer (June-August) outlook indicates elevated chances of warmer and drier than normal conditions.  

May 2026 Snowpack and Drought Summary

Key Messages: 

As of early June, the statewide snowpack has nearly melted out. Snowpack is 19% of median as of June 3rd, well below normal for this point in the season. 

May 2026 Climate Summary

Key Messages: 

Temperatures were 2-6°F above normal across the state, marking the 7th consecutive month with above normal statewide temperatures. 

The warmest temperatures relative to normal occurred in the eastern slopes of the Cascades and across central and northeastern Washington. 

Late May Climate Outlook: Summer Outlook is Here

What’s Next for the Pacific Northwest?
Expectations for warmer and drier conditions continue statewide.
The Climate Prediction Center’s monthly outlook for June 2026 continues to show above normal temperatures are likely statewide. 

Early May Climate Outlook

Key Messages:

ENSO-neutral conditions have emerged in the Tropical Pacific, officially ending this past winter’s La Niña. 

A relatively rapid transition to El Niño conditions is likely by early summer, then El Niño conditions are likely to continue to strengthen into the fall.  

April 2026 Snowpack and Drought Summary

Key Messages: 

As of early May, statewide snowpack is at 33% of median. Many basins in the central and southern Cascades currently have less than 20% of their median snowpack.

Warm and dry conditions have caused snow to melt more quickly than normal this spring. 

April 2026 Climate Summary

Key Messages: 

Temperatures were once again above normal across the state, marking the 6th straight month with above normal statewide temperatures. 

Temperatures were 2-4°F above normal in most places, with the warmest temperatures relative to normal occurring in the eastern and southern slopes of the Cascades and across the Olympic Peninsula. 

Full Reservoirs Only Meet One-Third of Total Demand in the Yakima Basin

Winter Recap: Snowpack Near Record Lows Following Warm Winter
Conditions this winter were quite remarkable. Statewide, November through March was the second warmest such period since at least 1895, surpassed only by the exceptionally mild winter of 2014-2015. 

Climate Matters: Assessing Drought Impacts

The newest statewide drought declaration announced this week marks the fourth consecutive year with a drought declaration in at least some part of Washington State. With these recent droughts, WASCO has been working to better understand the myriad of ways that droughts can develop and their sector-specific impacts.