2020 Pacific Northwest Water Year Impacts Assessment

In Water Year 2020, most of Oregon experienced a significant drought with dominant impacts that included wildfires, agricultural and livestock losses, and limited outdoor recreation. Drought in Washington and Idaho was not as widespread or significant, with localized drought in a few basins in south-central Idaho and east of the Cascade Mountain crest in central Washington. Washington and Oregon also experienced major flood events in February; those impacts and others are highlighted as well. The purpose of this assessment is to summarize the water year conditions and sector impacts as a resource for future management of drought and other climate extremes.