Klamath County Under Drought Emergency
State declaration follows low snowpack and moderate to severe drought conditions across much of the county
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — Klamath County is now under a state drought emergency after Governor Tina Kotek declared emergency status for Klamath, Coos, and Wheeler counties.
The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-08, directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize drought-related assistance for affected communities. It is the third drought declaration issued in Oregon this year.
According to the Governor’s Office, 12 of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status.
In Klamath County, drought conditions remain a growing concern heading into the summer season. As of April 28, approximately 70% of the county was listed in moderate to severe drought. The Governor’s Office said precipitation over the past 12 months and the current water year has been just below normal for most of the county, ranging from 70% to 90% of normal.
The Klamath Basin’s snow water equivalent was reported at just 4% of normal as of April 27, one of the key indicators cited in the emergency declaration.
State officials said forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation, and water supply conditions suggest drought conditions are unlikely to improve in the near term.
The drought emergency allows the state to activate additional tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.
Drought conditions are expected to affect several areas of daily life and the regional economy, including farms, ranches, recreation, tourism, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource-dependent activities.
State officials also warned that extreme dryness can shorten the growing season, reduce water supplies, and increase wildfire risk.
Klamath County joins a growing list of Oregon counties already under drought emergency status in 2026. Earlier declarations included Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties in March, followed by Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties in April.
State natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, will continue monitoring conditions in coordination with local and federal partners.
Cover Image: A tractor works a dry agricultural field in the Klamath Basin. Klamath County is now under a state drought emergency after officials reported moderate to severe drought conditions across much of the county. File photo by Brian Gailey / HiveWire Daily Archives.
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