The latest long-range forecast of the Columbia River’s future water availability leaves the region high and dry within the next 20 years. 

Climate change along with agricultural practice, groundwater use and growing communities are putting more pressure on the region’s water resources every year. As the region warms, rain rather than snow will fall and what snowpack does accumulate will run off earlier. 

As a result, less water is expected to be available in summer and early fall by the 2040s, according to a draft forecast from the Washington Department of Ecology and the State of Washington Water Research Center at Washington State University.   

“These pressures will grow as back-to-back droughts happen more often and for longer periods of time,” said Melissa Downes, projects section manager for Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River, in a statement. “That makes it even more important to understand the science and what challenges are coming our way. We use this framework to guide our decisions and help communities become more climate resilient.” 

Ecology is accepting public comments on the draft Columbia Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast through July 31. After reviewing comments, the agency will send a final report to the Legislature in November. 

To learn more, including in-person and virtual meetings on the forecast, go to: ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/our-programs/office-of-columbia-river/office-of-columbia-river-legislative-reports/water-supply-demand-forecast.