Utah snowpack hits record low since 1930

The 2026 snowpack is the lowest ever recorded, with the next lowest being about five times higher.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a vast, snow-covered expanse under a dramatic, overcast sky, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.The record-low snowpack in Utah in 2026 highlights the growing challenges the state faces in managing its limited water resources.Park City Today

Utah's snow water equivalent as of April 1, 2026 is officially the lowest recorded since measurements began around 1930, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The service said the 2026 snowpack is truly unprecedented, with the next lowest April 1 snow water equivalent in Utah since 1930 being observed in 2015, but that was roughly five times higher than the 2026 statewide level.

Why it matters

The lack of April 1 snowpack will strongly influence water supply forecasts for Utah, which are crucial for managing the state's limited water resources, especially in the face of ongoing drought conditions.

The details

The Natural Resources Conservation Service combined historic snow course records dating back to 1930 with data from Utah's SNOTEL network to evaluate how the April 1 snowpack in Utah compared with previous observations. They determined that 2026 represents the lowest April 1 snow water equivalent measured in Utah over its entire period of record.

  • The snowpack measurements have been conducted around April 1 since around 1930.

The players

Natural Resources Conservation Service

A federal agency that provides technical expertise and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners and managers.

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What’s next

The service said the lack of April 1 snowpack will strongly influence upcoming water supply forecasts for Utah, which are crucial for managing the state's limited water resources.

The takeaway

The record-low snowpack in Utah in 2026 highlights the growing challenges the state faces in managing its water supply amid ongoing drought conditions, underscoring the need for long-term planning and conservation efforts.