Washington State's Severe Drought: A New Normal

0:00Washington State is staring down its fourth severe drought in a row, the first time that's happened since record started. Snowpack statewide sits at just 54% of normal, way below last year 68% at this point. Officials say these dress bales are the new normal thanks to climate shifts. warmer winters mean more rain than snow up high, and that rain hits in big bursts we can't fully store in our reservoirs. Snowpack usually melts slow into summer, feeding rivers when we need it most, but without it supplies run low, faster cities, farms, and nature. Folks are already feeling the pinch from past years, like pricier power bills and groceries, and it's set to worsen. Low stream flows kill off salmon and trout, while dry fuels crank up wildfire risks, bad air, and even landslides. Hotter El Nino summers won't help. On hydro power, Seattle City Light plans to drop a 4% customer surcharge next month after rebuilding reserves, but Ross Lake hasn't filled.

1:00Fully for three years straight. They're likely by expensive power again if drought drags on, hiking future rates amid rising demand. Farmers in the Yakima basin face the worst, with one big district shutting water for two weeks at season start, and delivering under half normal supply. After that, that squeezes crops, jacks of fruit and veggie prices at stores, and hits everyone from fields to your plate. State aid my flow soon, if they call another emergency. Stay informed with Vancouver News today, AI-powered updates.