Oregon Faces Severe Drought in 2026 as Snowpack Plummets and River Flows Drop

A warm winter and historically low snowpack have pushed most of Oregon into severe drought conditions in 2026. The Oregon Water Resources Department reports that 86% of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with 54% in severe to extreme categories. Nineteen counties have received state drought declarations, and Governor Tina Kotek has issued emergency declarations for several regions, including Umatilla and Baker counties.

Streamflows in major basins such as the Umatilla, Grande Ronde, Powder and John Day rivers are only 53%–66% of normal, and water storage in key projects remains below average. Officials warn that the dryness heightens wildfire risk and threatens cold‑water species like trout, salmon and steelhead, as well as broader ecosystem health. Conservation measures and the use of existing water‑management tools are being urged to protect rivers, streams, wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.