Early Snow Comes to Northeast Washington, But Drought Conditions Persist

Snow on mountains and even patches of snow along roadsides have made it clear that winter is approaching northeast Washington. But despite the recent snowfall, parts of Stevens County remain in exceptional drought. The contrast highlights an important distinction between short-term weather events and long-term water conditions. While a late-October storm delivered moisture to the region, officials say a few days of snow are not enough to erase drought conditions that have developed over several years. Snow hit some high mountains throughout northeast Washington last week, with lingering accumulation visible along roadsides near Arden even a day after the snowfall. Farther east, portions of Idaho and Montana also experienced winter weather and difficult driving conditions.

Meanwhile, snowpack measurements in the region have shown an encouraging early start to the winter season. At the Bunchgrass Meadow SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) monitoring station in neighboring Pend Oreille County, early-season snow-water equivalent was reported in the region at approximately 160% of normal. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) measurements showed approximately 7 inches of snow on the ground as of Sunday, Nov. 1, containing about 1.6 inches of water. According to USDA officials, snow-water equivalent measures how much water would be produced if the accumulated snow melted, making it a more useful indicator of potential water supply than snow depth alone. However, with the winter season just beginning, above-normal percentages can change considerably with subsequent storms, warmer weather, or extended dry periods. While the early snowfall is encouraging, drought monitoring data paints a more complicated picture. According to the experimental Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) available through Drought.gov, long-term conditions across Stevens County vary significantly from north to south.

The long-term model, which incorporates precipitation and moisture indicators extending as far back as five years, shows exceptional drought conditions in northern portions of Stevens County. Central portions of the county are classified as experiencing moderate drought, while southern portions show no drought conditions under that particular model. The short-term MIDI model presents a different picture, with most of Stevens County classified as abnormally dry. The differences reflect the time periods used to assess drought. Short-term monitoring focuses on precipitation and moisture changes over approximately three months, while longterm monitoring considers accumulated deficits over months and years. The models also measure different conditions from a single snowfall or the state’s official drought emergency declaration. That means a region can receive significant precipitation, or even record above-normal early-season snowpack, while continuing to experience long-term drought.

The situation is not unique to Stevens County. Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive year with a drought declaration affecting part or all of the state. The Washington Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought emergency on April 8, marking the fourth statewide drought emergency since 2015. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought conditions somewhere in Washington. The state’s ongoing water challenges are particularly striking considering the amount of precipitation received during the previous winter. According to the Department of Ecology, Washington received 104% of normal precipitation between October 2025 and February 2026. However, much of that moisture fell as rain rather than snow due to unusually warm temperatures.

By early spring, Washington had accumulated only about half its typical mountain snowpack. The Department of Ecology states that Washington relies heavily on mountain snow to supply water during the warmer months. Snow accumulating in the mountains acts as a natural reservoir, gradually releasing water as temperatures rise during spring and summer. That melting snow replenishes streams, rivers, and reservoirs, supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, fish, and other aquatic species.

When winter precipitation falls as rain instead, much of that water moves through the system before it is needed during the summer. According to the Department of Ecology, reduced snowpack can lead to lower streamflows, warmer water temperatures, and increased stress on fish populations. It can also affect irrigation supplies and contribute to heightened wildfire concerns. Under Washington law, a drought emergency can be declared when water supplies are projected to fall below 75% of normal and the shortages create a risk of undue hardship for water users or the environment. The state’s April declaration reflected both the exceptionally low snowpack and the accumulated effects of drought conditions in previous years. The arrival of early-season snow has provided some relief, but questions remain regarding how much snow Washington will receive over the coming months and, just as importantly, how much of it will remain in the mountains. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) winter outlook, released Oct. 15, favors warmer-than-average temperatures across the Pacific Northwest during the December-through-February winter season.

The forecast is influenced by a strengthening El Niño weather pattern, which can shift storm tracks and increase the likelihood of warmer conditions across the northern United States. For Washington, warmer temperatures could mean a greater percentage of winter precipitation falling as rain rather than snow, particularly at lower mountain elevations. NOAA’s seasonal outlook also indicates drought conditions could develop or worsen in parts of eastern Washington. However, seasonal forecasts do not predict specific snowfall totals, and mountain snowstorms remain possible even during warmer-than-average winters.

That unpredictability was evident during the final week of October. Snow fell across Washington’s mountain passes, including Snoqualmie and Stevens passes, with the National Weather Service issuing winter weather advisories as temperatures dropped and snow levels fell to around 3,000 feet. The Washington State Department of Transportation has also announced its readiness for another winter of snow, ice, and rapidly changing highway conditions. The agency said snowplows have been prepared, salt supplies stocked, and maintenance crews trained for winter operations. The early snowpack is a positive development, but weather analysts say it will take sustained mountain snowfall, favorable temperatures, and adequate precipitation throughout the coming months to improve the region’s long-term water outlook. For now, snow-covered mountains and exceptional drought can exist side-by-side. While winter may have made an early appearance, the drought may be far from over.