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Washington Drought

National Climatic Data Center, 10 February 2005

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Below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures during the last 3 months have resulted in widespread below-normal snowpack in the state, with many mountain locations reporting record low snow water content. According to media reports (Seattle-Times, 1/28/05), the warm temperatures, in combination with precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, accelerated the melting of the snowpack so much that some Northwest ski areas had to close. An analysis by the USDA showed that, at Stampede Pass in north central Washington, late January snowpack was down to 18% of average and water-year-to-date precipitation was down to 61% of average.

Statewide Precipitation Ranks
for Washington , 2004-2005
Period Rank
Jan 31st driest
Dec-Jan 22nd driest
Nov-Jan 14th driest
Oct-Jan 17th driest
Sep-Jan 22nd driest
Aug-Jan 39th driest
Jul-Jan 37th driest
Jun-Jan 38th driest
May-Jan 45th driest
Apr-Jan 35th driest
Mar-Jan 33rd driest
Feb-Jan 27th driest
Click here for graphic showing precipitation departures, January 1998 - present
larger image

Click here for graphic showing Palmer Z Index, January 1998 - present
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Click here for graphic showing precipitation, January 1895-2005
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Click here for graphic showing Palmer Hydrological Drought Index, January 1900 - January 2005
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Graphic showing NOAA logo NCDC / Clim. Monitoring / Climate-2005 / Jan / U.S. Regional Drought / Search / Help

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Last Updated Tuesday, 05-Apr-2005 16:01:42 EDT by Richard.Heim@noaa.gov
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