Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties through Executive Order 26-07 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. The Executive Order is available here.
This marks the second drought declaration issued in 2026. In total, nine of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oregon’s 2025–26 winter tied with 1934 as the warmest winter on record. The unusually warm temperatures contributed to a record-low snowpack with likely impacts on natural resources, water supply, and wildfire risk across the state.
"Communities across the state are being confronted with unprecedented drought conditions," Governor Kotek said. "My office and relevant state agencies are at the ready to assist affected communities address drought impacts and continue efforts to secure a stronger, more climate-resilient Oregon. The abnormally dry conditions we’re experiencing should serve as a stark reminder that wildfire season is around the corner, and Oregonians need to be ready."
Forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation, and water supply conditions suggest that drought conditions in the counties are unlikely to improve in the near-term.
Crook County
As of April 7, 89% of Crook County is in moderate to severe drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and water year-to-date (WYTD) indicators show drier-than-normal conditions, with below-normal precipitation across most of the county.
Grant County
As of April 7, 99% of Grant County is in moderate to severe drought. SPEI values over the last year and WYTD indicate drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county. Over the last year, precipitation conditions were below normal for most of the county.
Jackson County
As of April 7, 95% of Jackson County is in moderate to severe drought. SPEI values over various timescales indicate moderate drought conditions are present for most of the county. Over the last year, precipitation conditions have been below normal.
Jefferson County
As of April 7, 94% of Jefferson County is in severe drought, with the remainder of the county in moderate drought. SPEI values over various timescales indicate moderate to extreme drought conditions throughout the county. WYTD precipitation is just below normal (70-90%) and WYTD temperatures in Jefferson County are well above normal. These conditions have resulted in well below normal snowpack throughout the water year.
Morrow County
As of April 7, 80% of Morrow County is in moderate to severe drought. WYTD SPEI values generally indicate normal conditions for most of the county. SPEI values over the last year indicate drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county. Over the last year, precipitation conditions have been below normal for most of the county.
Wallowa County
As of April 7, all of Wallowa County is in moderate drought to severe drought. SPEI values over the last year indicate moderate to severe drought conditions are present for much of the county. WYTD SPEI values are more variable, ranging from drier-than-normal to wetter-than-normal conditions. Over the last year, precipitation has been below normal.
Impact and State Response
Drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats, and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies, and increase wildfire risk.
The drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD).
In March, the Governor declared drought in Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla Counties for the 2026 calendar year, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 536.740. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely.
As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).
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