Snowpack levels across Washington state are running significantly below normal following an unusually dry winter, raising concerns about water supply, agriculture and wildfire risk in the months ahead.

State water officials report that mountain snow accumulation, a critical source of summer water runoff, is well under historical averages for this point in the season.

In several basins, snow water equivalent measurements — which indicate how much water the snowpack holds — are substantially below typical levels, reflecting a combination of reduced precipitation and warmer-than-average temperatures.

The Cascade Range, which supplies much of the state’s drinking water, hydropower and irrigation resources, has seen patchy snow development throughout the winter.

Some regions have experienced intermittent storms, but prolonged dry periods have limited overall accumulation.

Hydrologists note that snowpack functions as a natural reservoir, gradually releasing water as it melts in spring and early summer.

When winter snow totals are low, rivers and reservoirs can experience diminished flows later in the year, increasing pressure on farmers, fish habitats and urban water systems.

Agricultural producers are closely monitoring conditions, particularly in central and eastern Washington where irrigation demands peak during the summer growing season.

Water managers have not yet declared formal drought conditions statewide, but officials say they are evaluating forecasts and contingency plans as the spring melt approaches.

Climate specialists indicate that warmer winter temperatures have increased the proportion of precipitation falling as rain rather than snow in some areas, reducing snowpack even when overall precipitation totals are not dramatically low.

This shift can intensify seasonal water variability.

With several weeks remaining in the traditional snow accumulation period, additional storms could modestly improve totals.

However, unless substantial snowfall materialises, Washington may enter the summer with below-average water reserves, heightening the risk of supply constraints and elevated wildfire danger.

Authorities are encouraging residents and businesses to remain mindful of water conservation as officials continue to track evolving conditions across the state’s river basins.