Western Drought Fears Rise as Snowpack Melts Early

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Western communities are facing a dangerously dry summer as record-breaking heat melts the snowpack much earlier than usual, threatening drinking water supplies and increasing the risk of wildfires. Water restrictions are growing across the region as officials scramble to conserve limited resources.

Why it matters

The early melting of the snowpack, which normally provides crucial water supplies throughout the dry summer months, is a troubling sign of the worsening effects of climate change in the American West. With drinking water and wildfire prevention at risk, the drought crisis could have severe impacts on local economies and ecosystems.

The details

In Frisco, Colorado, the lack of snow has forced the closure of ski resorts much earlier than normal, disrupting the local tourism industry. Across the West, officials are implementing strict water conservation measures, including limits on outdoor watering, to preserve dwindling reservoir levels.

• Snowpack levels are at record lows for this time of year across the Western U.S.
• Ski resorts in Colorado have had to close several weeks earlier than their typical May closure.

What’s next

Officials across the Western states are expected to continue monitoring snowpack levels and reservoir storage, and may need to implement further water restrictions if the drought persists through the summer.