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Utah Faces Early Wildfire Risk Due to Low Snowpack and Warm Winter
Experts warn of potentially intense and prolonged wildfire season in 2026 across the state.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:03pm
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Utah is facing an elevated wildfire risk this year due to record-low snowpack and an unusually warm winter, according to a Utah State University Extension wildfire specialist. The lack of snow, especially at mid-level elevations, and increased soil moisture could contribute to earlier and more intense wildfires, particularly in southern Utah. Experts say residents should prepare their properties and exercise caution to prevent human-caused fires as the state enters the fire season.
Why it matters
Wildfires pose a significant threat to communities in Utah, causing damage to property, disrupting lives, and impacting the environment. The combination of low snowpack and warm temperatures could lead to an earlier and more intense fire season, requiring residents and officials to be extra vigilant in their preparedness and prevention efforts.
The details
Utah has experienced record-low snowpack and its warmest winter on record, with much of the season's precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. This lack of snow is especially noticeable at mid-level elevations, where there is only a light dusting when there would typically be several feet of snow. The conditions could affect different parts of the state in different ways, with lower-elevation rangelands potentially seeing increased growth of fine fuels like grasses, and higher-elevation forests and heavier fuels drying out sooner, potentially lengthening the fire season and increasing fire intensity.
- As of late March 2026, snowpack is at record-low levels across the state.
- Utah experienced its warmest winter on record, with much of the season's precipitation falling as rain rather than snow.
The players
Bradley Washa
An assistant professor of wildland fire science with USU Extension and a Utah State University Extension wildfire specialist.
What they’re saying
“As we approach the end of March, snowpack is at record-low levels across the state.”
— Bradley Washa, Utah State University Extension wildfire specialist
“Instead of the fire season becoming active in July, it could begin in June.”
— Bradley Washa, Utah State University Extension wildfire specialist
“When visiting, working, or living in the wildland, we all have a shared responsibility to prevent wildfires.”
— Bradley Washa, Utah State University Extension wildfire specialist
What’s next
The Great Basin Coordination Center's Predictive Services Fire Potential Outlook has already identified above-normal significant wildland fire potential in parts of southern Utah heading into June, according to Washa.
The takeaway
This early warning about Utah's elevated wildfire risk underscores the importance for residents and officials to be proactive in their preparedness and prevention efforts, as the combination of low snowpack and warm temperatures could lead to an earlier and more intense fire season that requires heightened vigilance to protect communities.
