Why is the Western US experiencing a snow drought?

Warm temperatures are causing precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, leading to a snow drought across much of the West.

How does low snowpack affect the Western US?

Low snowpack threatens over half of the West's water supply, impacting communities and ecosystems.

When will the Western US get more snow?

It's uncertain, but colder air returning to the region could lead to more snow, with some models suggesting possibilities later in December.

Home / Weather / Western Snow Drought: Record Low Cover Amidst Warm Temps

Western Snow Drought: Record Low Cover Amidst Warm Temps

14 Dec

•

Summary

Western snow cover hit record lows in early December since 2001.
Warm temperatures caused rain instead of snow in many areas.
Low snowpack threatens over half of the West's water supply.

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.