Eastern Idaho Experiences Hottest Winter on Record as Pacific Northwest Faces 'Unprecedented Snow Drought'

Warm temperatures, not lack of precipitation, drive snow drought across the region

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Eastern Idaho, as well as the Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon, are experiencing record-breaking warm temperatures this winter, leading to an 'unprecedented snow drought' despite normal precipitation levels. Experts warn that this trend is likely to continue in the coming decades due to climate change, with potential impacts on the region's water systems.

Why it matters

The warm temperatures and lack of snowpack could have significant implications for water resources, agriculture, and other industries in the affected states. As the climate continues to change, understanding and adapting to these new weather patterns will be crucial for communities in the region.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, this winter (December, January, and February) is the hottest on record for eastern Idaho, with average temperatures 9-11 degrees above normal. While precipitation levels have been normal, the warm temperatures have resulted in much lower-than-average snowpack, a phenomenon known as a 'snow drought.' Experts say this is highly unusual, with the Portneuf subbasin in Idaho receiving 97% of its median precipitation but only 46% of its median snowpack. The situation is even worse in Oregon and Washington, where state climatologists say there is 'very little chance' of reaching normal snowpack levels by the end of the season.

  • This winter (December, January, and February) is the hottest on record for eastern Idaho.
  • The Portneuf subbasin in Idaho has received 97% of its median precipitation but only 46% of its median snowpack since the start of the water year on October 1.

The players

Tim Axford

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service Pocatello office.

Karin Bumbaco

The Deputy State Climatologist of the Washington State Climate Office.

Larry O'Neill

The State Climatologist with the Oregon Climate Service.

David Hoekema

A hydrologist at the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

Russell Qualls

The Idaho State Climatologist and an associate professor at the University of Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“For us to drop down into a number two spot, we would need to see a pretty dramatic drop off … we would need to see a pretty good Arctic outbreak of cold air.”

— Tim Axford, Meteorologist (EastIdahoNews.com)

“Even with the snow that we received in the last weekend, it only bumped us up a little bit, and we're still, as a statewide average, experiencing our worst snowpack on record.”

— Larry O'Neill, State Climatologist (EastIdahoNews.com)

“Every basin in Washington, except for the upper Columbia, needs more snow than we've seen in 90% of our historical records to get to normal by April 1.”

— Karin Bumbaco, Deputy State Climatologist (EastIdahoNews.com)

“There's very little chance of having a normal snow pack this year.”

— David Hoekema, Hydrologist (EastIdahoNews.com)

“This one winter doesn't necessarily tell us that it was caused by climate change. But … from our projections, we know that the winters in the coming decades are going to be much more like this.”

— Larry O'Neill, State Climatologist (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

Experts warn that the current warm weather trends are likely to continue in the coming decades, requiring communities in the affected states to adapt their water management and agricultural practices to the changing climate.

The takeaway

The unprecedented snow drought in the Pacific Northwest, driven by record-breaking warm temperatures rather than lack of precipitation, highlights the need for the region to prepare for the long-term impacts of climate change on its water resources and ecosystems.