Western Snow Drought: Record Low Cover Amidst Warm Temps

As of the first week of December, snowpack levels across the Western United States are alarmingly below average. Satellite data reveals the lowest snow cover for this period since 2001, with much of the region experiencing a "snow drought." Warm temperatures have been a primary culprit, causing precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow in many areas that would typically receive snow.

This trend has left many basins with significantly reduced snowpack, impacting crucial water resources. For instance, Utah's statewide snowpack is only 64% of its median average, with some basins falling below 50%. California's Sierra Nevada, Oregon's Blue Range, and Nevada's Great Basin are particularly affected, starting the week at less than 30% of their median averages.

The diminished snowpack poses a substantial threat to the West's water supply, which relies on snowpack for more than half of its needs. While a few storms have provided some relief to certain areas, experts emphasize the need for colder air to return to the region to replenish snow levels before the crucial January snow accumulation period.