What is causing the record heat and snow drought in the American West?

Scientists largely attribute the extreme warmth and snow drought to climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, which causes precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow.

How does the snow drought affect water supplies in the American West?

The reduced snowpack means less water will replenish rivers later in the season, impacting water availability for agriculture, cities, and hydropower systems.

What are the risks associated with the low snowpack in the Western US?

The low snowpack depletes future water supplies, makes the region more vulnerable to wildfires, and negatively impacts winter tourism and recreation.

Home / Environment / Western US Drowning in Record Heat, Bone Dry Snow Drought

Western US Drowning in Record Heat, Bone Dry Snow Drought

10 Feb

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Summary

Western US faces record heat and lowest snowpack in decades.
Reduced snowpack threatens water supplies and increases wildfire risk.
Climate change linked to extreme warmth causing the persistent snow drought.

Western US Drowning in Record Heat, Bone Dry Snow Drought

A severe snow drought, amplified by unprecedented heat, is gripping the American West, significantly depleting future water reserves and heightening wildfire risks.

As of February 10, 2026, snow cover and depth are at their lowest levels in decades. Approximately 67 Western weather stations have recorded their warmest December through early February period on record. Normal snow cover, typically around 460,000 square miles, has shrunk to a California-sized area of only 155,000 square miles.

This persistent lack of snow, particularly in states like Oregon, Colorado, and Utah, is concerning. The snowpack, a crucial source of water when it melts, is significantly lower than previous record lows. For instance, Oregon's snowpack is 30% below its prior record. Salt Lake City has not received an inch of snow in 327 days, the longest stretch since 1890-91.