Oregon is drought free for the first time since 2019

For the first time since November 2019, Oregon is drought-free.

READ MORE | March snowfall keeps Cascades snowpack above average despite dry start to the year

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, it’s been over five years and four months since the Beaver state saw no drought conditions.

Snow water equivalent maps tell the story of a state that has seen a lot of rain and snow over the last few months.

Every basin in southern, central, and eastern Oregon is at 150% or higher in terms of snow water equivalent.

The flooding in Burns, Oregon, is a direct result of the increased snowfall across eastern Oregon. When temperatures rose into the mid-70s, it caused snow to melt off quickly, forcing streams and rivers in the area to rise quickly.

Going into fire season, there should be plenty of water available. Fire managers, recreationalists, and citizens who rely on water should have plenty to go around.

Last year, Oregon set a record for the most acres burned in a single fire season. Parts of central and eastern Oregon were under some sort of drought designation over the spring and early summer.

READ MORE | Northwest fire outlook stable through June, warns of hot, dry summer ahead

The first wildfire reported was the Little Yamsay Fire, which began on April 20. The fire was allowed to burn in three phases to help reduce the risk of a bigger fire in the area in the future, fire managers said.

The drought-free status lasted five weeks back in 2019.

Oregon joins Kentucky as the only other state not currently facing drought conditions.