Record Snow Drought Hits Western U.S.

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A record-breaking snow drought is affecting most of the American West, with snow cover and depth at the lowest levels in decades. Scientists say the problem is not due to dry conditions, but rather unprecedented warmth that has turned much of the winter precipitation into rain instead of snow. This is depleting future water supplies, increasing wildfire risk, and hurting winter tourism and recreation.

Why it matters

The lack of snowpack in the mountains is a major problem for the Colorado River Basin, which relies on the slow melt of snow to provide a steady flow of water throughout the year for agriculture, cities, hydropower, and other uses. The early disappearance of snow also leaves the ground exposed to warmer weather, drying out soils and vegetation and raising the risk of an early and severe wildfire season.

The details

Snow cover and depth are both at their lowest levels in decades across the West, with Oregon, Colorado, and Utah reporting their lowest statewide snowpack since the early 1980s. Much of the precipitation that would normally fall as snow is instead falling as rain, which runs off more quickly. Scientists say the problem is primarily due to record-breaking warmth, with over 8,500 daily high temperature records broken or tied in the West since December 1st.

• 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.
• In January, most states received half their average precipitation or even less.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Meteorologists expect wetter, cooler weather across the West this week with some snow, which may help alleviate the snow drought, though it likely won't be enough to bring snowpack levels back to average.