Drought Intensifies Across the West, Threatening Water Supplies and Wildfire Season

Record-low snowpack and persistent heat raise concerns about water shortages and an early start to wildfire season

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:48am

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Several regions in the West are facing worsening drought conditions, increased wildfire risk, and reduced water supplies due to record-breaking temperatures and minimal winter snowpack. More than half of the West continues to experience drought, with major river basins like the Colorado River Basin experiencing record-low snowpack levels. This snow drought has significantly worsened in recent weeks following unprecedented March heat, leading to concerns about water availability and an early start to the wildfire season.

Why it matters

The ongoing drought and lack of snowpack in the West have serious implications for water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in the region. When winter precipitation falls as rain instead of snow, it reduces the natural reservoir that helps sustain water needs through the dry summer months. This can lead to water restrictions, increased wildfire risk, and broader economic and environmental impacts.

The details

The snow drought has significantly worsened in recent weeks following the unprecedented record-breaking March heat in the region. Snowpack is a significant indicator of drought conditions, and many major river basins, including the Colorado River Basin, are experiencing record-low season-to-date snowpack levels. This means there will be a lack of available water due to the low snowpack to meet the water supply demands of critical economic sectors in the West.

  • The snow drought has significantly worsened in recent weeks following the unprecedented record-breaking March heat in the region.
  • Snowpack typically peaks in late March or early April, marking a critical point in the region's water supply outlook.
  • Despite the recent drop, the Lake Powell reservoir remains more than 8 feet above its record low set in April 2023, but current projections suggest that level could be approached, or even challenged again, by late summer if dry conditions persist.

The players

NOAA-National Integrated Drought Information System

A regional drought early warning system coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Casey Olson

A climate scientist with the Utah Climate Center.

Denver Water

The public water utility for the city of Denver, which announced water restrictions for the first time since 2013 due to the deteriorating snowpack.

National Interagency Fire Center

The organization that provides the latest outlook on wildfire risk across the West.

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What they’re saying

“If winter precipitation is falling as rain instead of snow, our relationship with water in the West becomes even shakier.”

— Casey Olson, Climate scientist

“The snowpack within Denver Water's collection system has deteriorated significantly and continues to decline. Snowpack levels in both basins are now the lowest observed in the past 40 years, with accelerated melting underway.”

— Nathan Elder, Manager of water supply, Denver Water

What’s next

Experts warn that water restrictions are likely to expand in multiple states as the year progresses, barring significant changes in precipitation and snowpack levels. The long-term wildfire outlook for the region also remains uncertain and will depend on how several key conditions develop over the next few months, including the strength of the upcoming monsoon season.

The takeaway

The intensifying drought and lack of snowpack in the West pose serious threats to the region's water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems. This highlights the need for proactive water management strategies and a focus on building resilience to the impacts of climate change in the region.