PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Basin is experiencing favorable water conditions, according to Washington’s January 1 Water Supply Outlook report. Snowpack in the basin is 131% of median, a strong level despite warmer temperatures earlier this season. While down from 202% of median on December 1, the snowpack remains significantly above average.
Precipitation also exceeds normal levels, reaching 134% of median in December and 103% since the water year began on October 1. These trends are bolstering snowpack critical for spring and summer water supplies.
Streamflow forecasts for April through September are similarly promising. The Elwha River at McDonald Bridge is projected to flow at 102% of median, while the Dungeness River near Sequim is forecasted at 129%.