Is drought in the Northwest as serious as media saying?
Mar 19th, 2005, 10:30 AM
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Is drought in the Northwest as serious as media saying?
According to MSNBC and other news media, the drought in the northwest, covering northern California, Oregon and Washington, is the most serious in decades, and there are predictions that it will not end soon.
When people are losing their crops, their means of making a living, and there is increasing danger of forest fires, tourism pales by comparison. But to us who have booked trips to visit your area this summer, it is naturally a concern.
What is the accurate situation? I've seen footage of barren fields that look like historical Oklahoma dust bowl scenes. One cannot tell the context in which the damage is seen, however. Is it widespread? Is it really potentially devastating to the Oregon economy?
Jim
When people are losing their crops, their means of making a living, and there is increasing danger of forest fires, tourism pales by comparison. But to us who have booked trips to visit your area this summer, it is naturally a concern.
What is the accurate situation? I've seen footage of barren fields that look like historical Oklahoma dust bowl scenes. One cannot tell the context in which the damage is seen, however. Is it widespread? Is it really potentially devastating to the Oregon economy?
Jim
Mar 19th, 2005, 11:03 AM
#2
The snowpack is at near-record lows, so unless it snows a ton between now and whenever, the forecast is for a serious drought this summer. Farmers will be hurt most, because their demands are reasonably inflexible unless they want to grow rocks instead of wheat, apples, other soft fruit, grapes, etc.
On the west side of the Cascades the situation is arguably more tolerant, provided people can manage with yellow lawns and dirty cars as needed. And, frankly, it's a 50-50 chance that a dry winter comes before a wet summer, given our contrary natures.
The biggest tourism-related risk is forest fires closing or severely limiting mountain/forest activities. On that we will need to see how the spring goes.
Don't cancel travel plans - tourism income may be more important than ever.
On the west side of the Cascades the situation is arguably more tolerant, provided people can manage with yellow lawns and dirty cars as needed. And, frankly, it's a 50-50 chance that a dry winter comes before a wet summer, given our contrary natures.
The biggest tourism-related risk is forest fires closing or severely limiting mountain/forest activities. On that we will need to see how the spring goes.
Don't cancel travel plans - tourism income may be more important than ever.
Mar 19th, 2005, 11:56 AM
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Hi JimF, I know Oregon and Washington has concerns but I am confused about MSNBC stating that Northen California is worried about drought conditions. Were they talking about the most northern top of California, close to the Oregon boarder? I ask because I live in the Sacramento Valley which is in Northern California and we have had an abudance of rain. In fact it is and will be raining all weekend.
And I was under the impression that the snow in the Sierra's was great this year (am I wrong?). I did read that the early warm spring would cause some melting of snow but did not hear that would cause a drought problem.
And I was under the impression that the snow in the Sierra's was great this year (am I wrong?). I did read that the early warm spring would cause some melting of snow but did not hear that would cause a drought problem.
Mar 19th, 2005, 12:01 PM
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I assume they are talking about places such as Eureka, Arcata, etc.....real Northern California. Here in the SF Bay Area we have had plenty of rain!! I live in Marin County and it is pouring as I type.
Mar 19th, 2005, 12:34 PM
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The report was referring to mostly Oregon and Washington and portions of northern California. The voice over did mention the irony that California was getting traditional wet Oregon - Washington weather, and vice versa.
Jim
Jim
Mar 19th, 2005, 12:44 PM
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Seattle has been very sunny and dry with spring-like weather extremely early this year, and almost no rain. As for how things look, at least within the city proper, I don't think you would notice it as a visitor.
Mar 19th, 2005, 12:55 PM
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I live in Portland, and I have been very worried about our dry winter weather (even as I've been enjoying it). I have read that in 2/3 of cases where we have a dry winter, we have a really wet spring. Fortunately, we've had a couple of our normal rainy days yesterday and today and supposedly some more rain is coming, so that's good news. I never thought I'd miss the rain...
Andrew
Andrew
Mar 19th, 2005, 12:58 PM
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Jim,
As Gardyloo wrote, the impact will mostly be felt by agriculture, and that mostly east of the Cascades. I heard a couple weeks ago that, in spite of low snowpacks, we here in Portland likely won't face water rationing this summer, even with continued relatively dry weather. If we don't have the normal spring rainfall, water will be drawn from wells along the Columbia.
Still, I took a drive towards Tillamook a couple weekends ago, along the Wilson River, where we used to often party as kids. There were a few steelhead fishermen in the river; all were commenting on how scary low the water level was.
Generally though, while you might hear about it in the news, for the areas you plan to visit, I'd be surprised if you see any evidence of drought.
As Gardyloo wrote, the impact will mostly be felt by agriculture, and that mostly east of the Cascades. I heard a couple weeks ago that, in spite of low snowpacks, we here in Portland likely won't face water rationing this summer, even with continued relatively dry weather. If we don't have the normal spring rainfall, water will be drawn from wells along the Columbia.
Still, I took a drive towards Tillamook a couple weekends ago, along the Wilson River, where we used to often party as kids. There were a few steelhead fishermen in the river; all were commenting on how scary low the water level was.
Generally though, while you might hear about it in the news, for the areas you plan to visit, I'd be surprised if you see any evidence of drought.
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:14 AM
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I'm glad you said historical dustbowl scenes in Oklahoma. 
People have such a misconception of the terrain of OK. In case anyone is interested in OK or just wants some info...read below.
"Mile for mile, Oklahoma offers the nation’s most diverse terrain. It’s one of only four states with more than 10 ecoregions, and has by far, the most per mile in America.* Oklahoma’s ecoregions – or, terrains/subclimates – include everything from Rocky Mountain foothills to cypress swamps, tallgrass prairies, and hardwood forests to pine-covered mountains. Each is graced with wide blue lakes, rivers and streams. Plus, there’s one man-made type of terrain: urban turf.
Native variety sets the stage for endless adventure. Hiking. Biking. Dune buggy riding. Mountain climbing. Scuba diving. Hang gliding. Horseback riding. Floating. Boating. Camping. Canoeing. Fishing. Hunting. Spelunking. Bird watching. Rafting. Kayaking. Rappelling. And out and out playing. Here, road trips are American samplers of Mother Nature.
Oklahoma's 50 state parks reflect the beauty and diversity of our state. From the pine forests of southeastern Oklahoma to the spectacular mesas of the Panhandle, and from the northeastern lakes and forests to the rugged mountains of the southwest, you are surrounded by Oklahoma's natural wonders. You'll find any number of activities, including camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and even cave exploring. For a weekend or a week, Oklahoma State Parks are the perfect getaway!"
If you want to see how OK has changed and what it offers:
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People have such a misconception of the terrain of OK. In case anyone is interested in OK or just wants some info...read below."Mile for mile, Oklahoma offers the nation’s most diverse terrain. It’s one of only four states with more than 10 ecoregions, and has by far, the most per mile in America.* Oklahoma’s ecoregions – or, terrains/subclimates – include everything from Rocky Mountain foothills to cypress swamps, tallgrass prairies, and hardwood forests to pine-covered mountains. Each is graced with wide blue lakes, rivers and streams. Plus, there’s one man-made type of terrain: urban turf.
Native variety sets the stage for endless adventure. Hiking. Biking. Dune buggy riding. Mountain climbing. Scuba diving. Hang gliding. Horseback riding. Floating. Boating. Camping. Canoeing. Fishing. Hunting. Spelunking. Bird watching. Rafting. Kayaking. Rappelling. And out and out playing. Here, road trips are American samplers of Mother Nature.
Oklahoma's 50 state parks reflect the beauty and diversity of our state. From the pine forests of southeastern Oklahoma to the spectacular mesas of the Panhandle, and from the northeastern lakes and forests to the rugged mountains of the southwest, you are surrounded by Oklahoma's natural wonders. You'll find any number of activities, including camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and even cave exploring. For a weekend or a week, Oklahoma State Parks are the perfect getaway!"
If you want to see how OK has changed and what it offers:
http://travelok.com/atv/commercials.asp
