Oregon expands drought emergency to six counties, including Crook and Jefferson, as record-warm winter deepens water crisis

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in six Oregon counties, citing record-low snowpack and ongoing dry conditions. The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-07, affects Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow and Wallowa counties.

This marks the second drought declaration for Oregon in 2026. A total of nine of Oregon's 36 counties are now under drought emergency status, including Deschutes County.

The 2025–26 winter in Oregon tied with 1934 as the warmest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These unusually warm temperatures contributed to record-low snowpack with likely impacts on natural resources, water supply and wildfire risk across the state.

The drought emergency declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities. These include assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.

As of April 7, 89% of Crook County is experiencing moderate to severe drought. Indicators for Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and water year-to-date (WYTD) show drier-than-normal conditions. Precipitation across most of the county has been below normal.

Grant County also faces significant drought conditions, with 99% in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year and WYTD indicate drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county and precipitation has been below normal.

In Jackson County, 95% is in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over various timescales point to moderate drought conditions for most of the county. Precipitation conditions have been below normal over the last year.

Jefferson County is severely impacted, with 94% in severe drought and the remainder in moderate drought as of April 7. Moderate to extreme drought conditions are indicated by SPEI values and WYTD precipitation is just below normal at 70% to 90%. WYTD temperatures are well above normal, resulting in well below normal snowpack.

Morrow County has 80% of its area in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. While WYTD SPEI values generally indicate normal conditions, SPEI values over the last year show drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county. Precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

Wallowa County is entirely in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year indicate moderate to severe drought conditions across much of the county. WYTD SPEI values vary, ranging from drier-than-normal to wetter-than-normal conditions and precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

These drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon's farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors. They will also impact 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.

Gov. Kotek noted the severity of the situation and the state's readiness to act.

"Communities across the state are being confronted with unprecedented drought conditions," 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."

Previously, Gov. Kotek declared drought in Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties in March 2026. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely.

State and local officials are coordinating with federal partners. The state's natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, will closely monitor conditions.

Forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation and water supply conditions suggest that drought conditions in the affected counties are unlikely to improve in the near-term.