The 2000-2001 Water Year, which ran from October 1, 2000-September 30, 2001 is among the driest in Oregon in history. Much of Northwest Oregon recorded record low precipitation amounts while others recorded very near record low amounts. The following table summarizes precipitation values around the area.
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| Portland | 23.00 | 36.30 | 23.84 in 1976-77 |
| Eugene | 20.36 | 49.37 | 23.68 in 1923-24 |
| Astoria | 44.79 | 66.40 | 45.51 in 1976-77 |
| Corvallis | 23.04 | 42.71 | 24.33 in 1976-77 |
Salem did not set a record low precipitation value but it was very close. Salem recorded 21.97 in this water year. The record low for Salem is 20.37 set in 1976-77. This is the second driest water year on record for Salem.
Precipitation this winter is excpected to be slightly above normal. However, last year the same was expected and we ended up getting a lot less than excpected. There was no explanation for what happened. It was not an El Nino or a La Nina year. So, in terms of this year's forecast, anything can happen. For more information on this years forecast go to our Fall-Winter Forecast page.