Just how big were the December 2025 floods?

This month we’d like to take a break from the news about the snow drought and look back at flooding that happened in December. Many agencies, utilities, and other managers are taking stock of the flooding now that it’s behind us. 

Early February Climate Outlook

Key Messages:

La Niña conditions remain in place, but a return to neutral conditions is expected by March.

The February CPC outlook indicates warmer than normal temperatures are most likely statewide with slightly elevated chances of wetter than normal conditions across the northern half of the state. 

January 2026 Climate Summary

Key Messages: 

January was the 12th warmest January on record since at least 1895. Temperatures were around 2-5°F above normal for nearly all areas of the state.
Precipitation was below normal across most of the state and ranked as the 22nd driest January on record since at least 1895 statewide. 

January 2026 Snowpack and Drought Summary

Key Messages: 

As of February 2, statewide snowpack is well below normal near 55% of median. 

Water year precipitation remains above normal in most of the Cascades, but warm storms throughout the season and January’s dry spell both contributed to the current snowpack deficits.  

January Notable Weather Events

Key Messages: 

Active weather brought a brief period of much-needed heavy mountain snowfall at the start of the month.
A strong and persistent ridge of high pressure then brought an extended streak of dry weather.