Dry conditions, drought disaster declaration for Baker County, Oregon
4/27/2022 12:46:45 AM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Baker County, OR
Grant County, OR
Wallowa County, OR
Start Date: 4/23/2022
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The soil in southern Baker County is dry and quickly absorbs snowmelt, leaving no runoff. Streambeds were empty instead of flowing, and pastures remained parched. The mountain was bare instead of being cloaked with melting snow. A local drought disaster declaration has been approved for Baker County.
Late December and early January storms deepened the snow, but the rest of winter was dry, leaving water supplies low and farmers worried. In addition, diesel and fertilizer prices are high, forcing farmers to deal with several crises at once.
Pendleton East Oregonian (Ore.), April 23, 2022
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