October 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
On October 6, following near-record warm and dry conditions and three years of declared drought in the Yakima Basin, the Department of Ecology issued a complete halt of surface water use in the Yakima Basin.
Read moreSeptember 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Streamflow deteriorated during September as a result of warmer than normal temperatures and a relatively slow start to the rainy season. A map of September streamflow percentiles by watershed reveals that the vast majority of watersheds are below normal or much below normal, seen in orange and brick red shading.
Read moreAugust 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Streamflow in August was slightly improved compared to July with the return of some near normal streamflow across the Olympics, western slopes of the Cascades and portions of the Columbia Basin when averaged across the month.
Read moreJuly 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Streamflow continues to run well below normal in July 2025. The majority of basins are experiencing below normal (orange) or much below normal (red) streamflow. A few basins in northern Washington are experiencing record low flow.
Read moreJune 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Warm and very dry conditions in June 2025 contributed to worsening drought conditions and declining streamflow statewide. June streamflow has dropped below normal as indicated on the monthly streamflow percentile map, courtesy of the USGS Water Watch.
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