California's Low Snowpack Raises Wildfire Concerns

Sparse snowpack may lead to increased wildfire danger in the months ahead for San Diego County.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:52am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a dry, arid California terrain dwarfed by a towering, ominous cloud formation, conveying the overwhelming scale and foreboding mood of the state's worsening wildfire conditions.As California faces one of its driest winters on record, the looming threat of an extended and potentially more dangerous wildfire season casts a somber shadow over the state's parched landscapes.San Diego Today

California is heading out of winter with one of its lowest snowpack levels on record, raising concerns among experts about an extended and potentially more dangerous wildfire season, even in regions like San Diego County. The state's snowpack, which serves as a crucial water source during the warmer months, is now sitting at just a fraction of its average after a dry, unusually warm end to winter.

Why it matters

Snowpack helps regulate how quickly vegetation dries out in spring and summer. With less snow, plants and grasses dry earlier, creating more fuel for wildfires. This could lead to an earlier start to wildfire season with heightened activity, posing a threat to communities in San Diego County and across California.

The details

Meteorologists say persistent high-pressure systems played a major role in the snowpack shortfall, pushing storm tracks north and bringing record heat in March that accelerated snowmelt. Officials warn that without meaningful rain or snowfall in the coming weeks, California may face an earlier and more dangerous wildfire season.

  • California's snowpack is currently sitting at just 10-20% of normal levels.
  • Recent warm temperatures have already started drying out brush across San Diego County.

The players

Ivory Small

Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

Robert Johnson

Official with CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire.

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What they’re saying

“'All the storm tracks have been pushed north, well north of us, and we've been under extreme high pressure for this time of year.'”

— Ivory Small, Meteorologist

“'Once the moisture gets below the 60 percent level, that increases the potential for a large and damaging fire in the event that there is a fire ignition.'”

— Robert Johnson, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Official

What’s next

Officials are urging residents to take steps now to protect their homes by clearing dead brush, removing flammable materials, and being cautious when doing yard work that could spark a fire.

The takeaway

This low snowpack situation highlights the growing threat of longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons in California, even in regions like San Diego County. Residents must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and communities.