SALEM, Ore.-Following an unusually dry winter, a drought emergency has been declared in three Central and Eastern Oregon Counties ahead of what is expected to be a dry summer.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared the drought emergency in Deschutes, Umatilla and Baker Counties by Executive Order on March 26.
“Forecasts suggest that below normal precipitation and streamflow conditions are likely to continue through summer in all Counties following an extended period with precipitation and temperature conditions that contributed to well below normal snowpack,” said Gov. Kotek in her Executive Order. “Therefore, drought conditions are likely to persist or intensify in the Counties.”
According to the United States Drought Monitor, persistent moderate drought conditions in Baker County, persistent abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions in Deschutes County, and persistent moderate and severe drought conditions in Umatilla County have occurred since the spring of 2025.
Officials in all three counties requested the declaration in February and March, due to growing concerns about drought conditions and water availability this summer.
Below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures and low snowpack were also cited as reasons for the declaration.
Under the Executive Order state agencies, including the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management are “directed to coordinate and provide assistance to water users in Baker. Deschutes and Umatilla Counties.”
“Preparation and resiliency to drought are vital to the health and safety of persons, property, and the economic security of the citizens and businesses of these counties,” Gov. Kotek said in her Executive Order. “I therefore declare that a severe, continuing drought emergency exists and is likely to exist in the counties.”
Information about current drought conditions, including drought maps and reservoir diagrams for the counties affected by the emergency declaration are available online through the OWRD Drought Page.
Links to drought emergency tools, such as expedited review processes, reduced fee schedules, and targeted assistance for local water users are also available through OWRD.
