Mountains that supply water for 40 million Americans are running out of snow

Record-low snowpack across the region

Colorado and Utah are seeing their lowest snowpack on record for late January, and the rest of the West is not far behind.

Federal satellite data shows western snow cover on January 4 was the lowest since records began in 2001, with only 141,416 square miles covered.

More than 80% of snow monitoring stations in Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico are now in snow drought, which means snow water levels have dropped below the 20th percentile of normal.

Colorado hits lowest level since 1987

Colorado’s statewide snowpack sits at about 58% of average for late January, the lowest in the modern SNOTEL record dating back to 1987.

Assistant State Climatologist Peter Goble confirmed that all mountain ranges are well below normal. The snowpack has stayed at record-low levels for more than two weeks straight.

Even if average snowfall arrives from now through spring, Colorado would still end up in a drought year because the early deficit is so severe.

Utah on track for worst reading

Utah has collected only about 5. 2 inches of water contained in snow so far this winter.

The state was on track to break its previous record low set on February 1, 2018. University of Utah atmospheric scientist Kevin Perry said Utah is now in “uncharted territory.” About 20 monitoring stations reported record-low snow levels as of January 1.

Utah’s main reservoir system sits at 66% capacity, which is above normal, but smaller reservoirs may not refill this year.

Record December warmth caused crisis

Colorado had its warmest December on record, going back to 1895, with temperatures running about 9 degrees above average statewide.

Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Washington also set December heat records. A persistent ridge of high pressure blocked Pacific storms from reaching the mountains.

The warm conditions caused precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, which created the current shortage.

Rain melted existing mountain snow

Storms that would normally bring snow delivered rain at mid and low elevations instead. In Utah, rain melted snow below about 9,000 feet.

High-elevation snowpack in Utah is actually in good shape, but low and mid elevations have almost none. The warm, wet pattern saturated soils but failed to build the snowpack that feeds rivers.

Water year precipitation is near normal in many areas despite the snow drought, because it fell as rain.

40 million people depend on snowmelt

The Colorado River provides water for about 40 million people across seven states, and snowpack in the mountains feeds the river through spring and summer runoff.

Lake Powell started 2026 about 33 feet lower than last year. Water flowing into Lake Powell is expected to reach only 57% of normal this spring.

Dry soil will absorb much of the snowmelt before it reaches streams and reservoirs, which makes the outlook even worse.

States deadlocked on water sharing

Seven states are negotiating how to manage the Colorado River after the current guidelines expire in 2026.

The upper basin includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico, while the lower basin includes Arizona, California, and Nevada. The states remain deadlocked on how to share water cuts if supplies fall short.

A low snowpack year may raise urgency to reach an agreement before time runs out on the current rules.

Early wildfire season now likely

Low snowpack raises the risk of earlier and more severe wildfires across the region. Dry conditions and a lack of snow cover create favorable conditions for fires to start and spread.

Colorado already experienced major wildfires in 2025 due to drought. Mountain vegetation that normally stays wet into summer may dry out much sooner this year.

Water restrictions and agricultural challenges are also possible as the season progresses.

Ski resorts open limited terrain

Many ski areas delayed their openings or have very limited terrain available. Beaver Creek missed its prized Thanksgiving holiday opening for the first time in years.

Major resorts like Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Vail have less than 65% of their terrain open. Utah had its second-worst Christmas ski season since 1976-77.

The Ouray Ice Park in Colorado could not open at all because the ice melted in the warm weather.

Winter businesses losing revenue fast

Ski visits in Colorado are down sizable double digits from the start of the season. Hotels, restaurants, and winter gear shops are losing business as fewer visitors arrive.

Snowmobile tours in Utah have been canceled due to a lack of snow. River rafting could be affected later if snowmelt stays low.

Recreation businesses that depend on snow are struggling across the entire region.

California dodged the drought so far

California stands apart from its neighbors thanks to atmospheric rivers in late December that boosted the state’s snowpack.

The statewide snowpack reached 71% of average by late December, and major reservoirs sit at 123% of average thanks to recent storms and prior wet years.

A dry January eroded some gains, dropping snowpack to 59% of average. More storms are needed to maintain water supplies through the summer.

Late storms could bring recovery

Colorado’s snowpack typically peaks in early April, and March and April are historically the snowiest months in the region. Weather patterns may shift as La Niña weakens toward neutral conditions in the coming weeks.

Some past years have recovered from poor early-season snowpack with big late-winter storms. However, forecasts for the next two weeks show little significant snow expected, so the waiting continues.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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