SPOKANE, Wash. — According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), large portions of Tribal lands across the Pacific Northwest are at risk of inadequate water supply due to declining stream flows.
The lower water levels are attributed to a below-normal seasonal snowpack as well as early snowmelt and the recent heat and dryness.
The Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect across much of the region and combined with below-average rain levels, drought development and persistence is expected through September, according to NOAA.
In addition to drought conditions, NOAA reports that wildland fire risks are at an abnormal high for most tribal land and are expected to persist through October.
According to the United States Drought Monitor, “Abnormally Dry (D0)” and “Moderate (D1) to Severe Drought (D2)” conditions are present across the Pacific Northwest but specifically within tribal lands.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 29.2% of tribal lands are in drought conditions and around 23% of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation is experiencing “Severe Drought (D2)” conditions.
The National Integrated Drought Information System reports that some river flows are expected to decline to levels too low for fish to be able to migrate in the late summer. They claim that this may result in the stranding and premature death of some critical species.
Tribal Nations and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife report they are planning for these low stream flows and are taking proactive actions to respond.
Maps of the affected areas and the severity of these conditions can be found at the National Integrated Drought Information System’s website.
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