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Wasco County declares drought emergency, asks governor to expedite state assistance
Summary
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 26‑008 requesting Governor Tina Kotek declare a state drought emergency, citing record‑low Mount Hood snowpack, only six inches of regional rainfall in 2026 to date, and immediate impacts to local agriculture and livestock.
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners on May 20 voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26‑008 requesting that Governor Tina Kotek declare a state drought emergency for Wasco County.
Emergency Manager Sheridan McClellan told commissioners the request reflects severe, multi‑year climate impacts and unusually low mountain snowpack. “Timberline recorded 297 inches this season compared with a 409‑inch average, and Mount Hood Meadows tracked 121 inches versus a 332‑inch average,” McClellan said, adding regional rainfall for 2026 has totaled about six inches. He told the board the drought is already affecting irrigated agriculture and livestock in South Wasco County.
Why it matters: The county said a state declaration would prioritize state agency assistance, allow the Oregon Water Resources Department to expedite emergency permits and temporary water‑right transfers, and unlock state resources to complement federal USDA disaster relief programs. McClellan estimated current impacts affecting roughly 40,000 acres of wheat, 450 acres of hay and about 7,500 head of cattle and sheep.
Commissioner Jeffrey L. Justesen asked whether the Governor typically approves such county requests and whether the state’s review is advisory. McClellan replied that the Governor’s office reviews county data alongside federal sources such as the Farm Service Agency and noted at least a dozen other Oregon counties had already declared drought emergencies, increasing the likelihood of state action. Chair Scott C. Hege added that state agreement is typically a step toward federal assistance and said the county’s Watermaster has indicated irrigation flows remain but that state regulation of water rights may start earlier than normal.
The vote: Commissioner Justesen moved to approve Resolution 26‑008; Chair Hege seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The county will forward the resolution to the Governor’s office for state review.
Next steps: If the Governor declares a state drought emergency, Wasco County expects the Oregon Water Resources Department to expedite temporary water‑right transfers and emergency permitting, and county officials said they will coordinate with state and federal agencies on relief and resource priorities.
