Record Snow Drought Hits Western US, Raising Concerns

Lack of snow raises risks of water shortages and wildfires in the region

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Most Western states are experiencing the worst snow drought in decades, not due to dry conditions but record-breaking warm temperatures that have turned snow to rain. This has depleted future water supplies, increased wildfire risk, and hurt winter tourism and recreation. Scientists say snow cover and depth are at their lowest levels in decades, with at least 67 weather stations in the West measuring their warmest December through early February on record.

Why it matters

The lack of snowpack is a major problem for the Colorado River Basin, which relies on a steady melt of mountain snow to replenish rivers and provide water for agriculture, cities, and hydropower. The early disappearance of snow also raises the risk of an early and severe wildfire season, as drier soils and vegetation are exposed to warmer spring and summer weather.

The details

While precipitation has been low, the record-low snowpack is primarily due to the extreme warmth in the West, which scientists link to climate change. Much of the precipitation that would normally fall as snow is instead falling as rain, which runs off more quickly. Meteorologists expect some relief this week with wetter, cooler weather, but they don't expect the snowpack to return to average levels.

  • Since December 1, there have been more than 8,500 daily high temperature records broken or tied in the West.
  • As of Monday, it had been 327 days since Salt Lake City International Airport got 1 inch of snow, making it the longest stretch since 1890-91.

The players

Mark Serreze

Director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, who has been in Colorado for almost 40 years and says he has not seen a winter like this before.

Jason Gerlich

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

Daniel Swain

Researcher at the University of California's Water Resources Institute.

Daniel McEvoy

Researcher with the Western Regional Climate Center.

Russ Schumacher

Professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University and Colorado State Climatologist.

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What they’re saying

“I have not seen a winter like this before. This pattern that we're in is so darned persistent.”

— Mark Serreze, Director, National Snow and Ice Data Center (The Associated Press)

“Right now there's no snow on the ground. I'd definitely rather have icy roads and snow than whatever is going on out here right now.”

— Trevor Stephens (The Associated Press)

“This is a pretty big problem for the Colorado basin.”

— Daniel Swain, Researcher, University of California's Water Resources Institute (The Associated Press)

“I don't think there's any way we're going to go back up to, you know, average or anywhere close to that. But at least we can chip away at those deficits a little bit if it does get more active.”

— Russ Schumacher, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University and Colorado State Climatologist (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Meteorologists expect wetter, cooler weather across the West this week with some snow, which may help alleviate the snow drought, though they don't expect the snowpack to return to average levels.

The takeaway

The record-breaking warm temperatures and lack of snow in the West are clear signs of the impacts of climate change, depleting crucial water supplies and raising the risk of an early and severe wildfire season. This highlights the need for continued efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of a warming climate.