What is a snow drought in the Western US?

A snow drought occurs when precipitation falls as rain instead of snow due to unseasonably warm temperatures, reducing the vital snowpack crucial for water supply.

How does the snow drought affect the Colorado River?

The snow drought contributes to critically low levels in Colorado River reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell, intensifying water management challenges for the basin states.

Why is Nevada's snowpack historically low?

Nevada's snowpack is at a historic low due to an unusually warm start to winter, causing precipitation to fall as rain and significantly reducing snow accumulation.

Home / Environment / West Faces Snow Drought: Rain Replaces Winter's Vital Snowpack

West Faces Snow Drought: Rain Replaces Winter's Vital Snowpack

16 Jan

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Summary

Western US snowpack is significantly below average due to unseasonably warm temperatures.
Lack of snow threatens winter industries, irrigation, and water supplies.
Colorado River reservoirs are critically low despite recent precipitation.

West Faces Snow Drought: Rain Replaces Winter's Vital Snowpack

Unseasonably warm temperatures across the Western United States have led to a significant "snow drought," with precipitation largely arriving as rain rather than snow. As of January 1, approximately 379,000 acres were snow-covered, a stark decrease from the typical 1.46 million acres. This deficit impacts crucial water storage, as snowpack acts as the primary winter reservoir for summer needs.

The consequences of this "snow drought" extend to various sectors. Winter industries reliant on snow face diminished revenue, while farmers anticipate reduced water flow for irrigation. Municipal water supplies, fisheries, and wildlife are also affected by diminished streamflow. Despite recent rainfall alleviating drought conditions on the surface, the lack of snowpack poses long-term water scarcity risks.