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US Snow Cover Hits Record Low
12 Nov
Summary
- Only 1.8% of contiguous US had snow on Nov. 11.
- This is the second-lowest snow cover since 2003.
- Most current snow is concentrated in Western regions.
As of November 11, 2026, only 1.8% of the contiguous United States had snow on the ground, significantly lower than in past years. This figure is the second-lowest recorded for this date since 2003, with only November 11, 2016, showing less snow cover. The average snow cover for this date historically hovers around 13%.
Currently, most of the snow is concentrated in the Western United States. The Northern Rockies report 32.1% snow cover, with the Central Rockies at 17.1%. The Northwest has 11.2% coverage, and the Sierra Nevada has 9.2%. In the East, only the Northeast region shows any snow, with 5.2% coverage. Many regions, including the Midwest and South, report no snow cover at all.
Looking ahead, colder air is expected to bring snow to the Sierra and northern California ranges this weekend, with potential moderate accumulations. Moisture is also forecast to move into the Great Basin and Rockies early next week. Despite current low levels, a new winter outlook suggests 36 states could experience above-average snowfall this season.
