Skimpy Washington State Snowpack Could Affect Water Supply

MOUNT VERNON (AP) — Reduced snowpack over the winter could result in a reduction of vital water supplies in parts of Washington state this summer.
The Skagit-Valley Herald reports that stream flows in the North Puget Sound region are forecast to be 79-82% of normal from April to September, when much of the state relies on snowmelt to supply streams with water needed for drinking, farm irrigation and fish habitat.
The Washington Water Supply Outlook Report released April 1 found snowpack in the Skagit River watershed is at 71% of normal.
The Washington Snow Survey Office says summer stream flows could reach lows last seen during the snowpack drought of 2015.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly report of national drought conditions, reports that dry conditions could impact Washington's crops and create water deficits.
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Information from: Skagit Valley Herald, http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com