Lack Of Rains Effect On The Willamette Valley

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest we get lots of rainy days, but we get more sunny days than people living in other states might think. Oregons stormiest and wettest months are coming to a close, and as we move into mid-may we approach the warmest and sunniest days of the year. Many of us saw an unprecedented last year in storms and climates affected by wildfires.

The wildfires, although not a storm, were spread easier and wider due lack of precipitation in the willamette Valley from January-September 2020. The dry conditions caused a small wildfire to grow exponentially and violently across any area they were started in.

We also saw an ice storm this past winter that was unlike anything we have seen in the region before, this storm took out the electricity for many Salem residents for more than a week, it also caused a vast amount of damage in the area due to trees on homes, and sump pumps failing in basements (that are widespread within oregon as we have many mid-century homes).

On average in Oregon we have 152 rainy days a year. This year so far we are listed as “Much less than normal” when it comes to precipitation. There have been more severe or usual weather occurrences, but not more rainfall over the past 12 months.

It important to note that we may need to start researching methods to better handle a heavier wildfire season than average. After seeing the devastation from last year hopefully this year we are a bit better prepared.

Here is some great information about wildfire safety and prevention tips: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Wildfire/Wildfire.pdf

Remember the biggest cause of wildfires is humans, most wildfires are completely preventable. Let’s be extra careful this season with our awareness when it comes to campfires, burning bans, cigarette disposal, and the setting off of fireworks. It only takes a moment that can cost hundreds of acres of burning with the right weather conditions.