Record snow drought in the western U.S. raises concern for spring water shortages and wildfires

National Snow and Ice Data Center confirms record low snow

The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported in early February 2026 that snow cover across the American West dropped to its lowest levels in decades, creating a record snow drought during an unusually warm winter.

In February 2026, normal snow cover in the West should reach about 460,000 square miles. This winter, snow cover measured only about 155,000 square miles, roughly the size of California alone, according to the center.

At least 67 Western weather stations recorded their warmest December through early February on record. Researchers said the persistent warmth and low snowfall are raising concerns about future water supplies, wildfire risk, and winter tourism.

Western snow cover drops by two thirds

Snow cover across the American West fell from a typical 460,000 square miles to about 155,000 square miles in February 2026. That means the region has only about one-third of the snow area normally expected at this time of year.

Scientists said the missing snow area is equal to the combined size of California, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. This comparison shows how much snow has failed to accumulate during the winter season.

Experts reported that both snow cover and snow depth are at their lowest levels in decades. The change reflects a combination of low precipitation and unusually warm temperatures across the region

Dozens of weather stations set heat records

At least 67 weather stations across the American West recorded their warmest December through early February on record this year. Scientists said the persistent warmth has been a major factor behind the snow drought.

Researchers noted that the unusual heat pattern has lasted for weeks without significant relief. One scientist with nearly four decades in Colorado said the winter conditions are unlike anything seen before.

The record warmth has reduced snowfall across many areas. In several regions, precipitation that normally falls as snow has instead fallen as rain, which does not build lasting snowpack.

Oregon snowpack falls far below record

Oregon’s snowpack reached a record low in February 2026, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Officials said the current snowpack is 30 percent lower than the previous record for the state.

Snowpack measures how much water is stored in mountain snow. This stored water is critical for rivers, farms, cities, and hydropower systems later in the year.

The sharp drop in Oregon’s snowpack signals major water concerns for the coming months. Scientists said the numbers represent one of the most severe snow drought conditions on record for the state.

Several states report lowest snowpack since 1980s

Oregon, Colorado, and Utah reported their lowest statewide snowpack levels since the early 1980s and early February 2026. These records date back several decades, making the current readings historically low.

Scientists said a dry January played a major role in the decline. Most states in the region received only half their average precipitation or even less during the month.

Warm temperatures and sunny conditions prevented snow from building up. January usually brings heavy snow accumulation across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, but that pattern did not occur this winter.

Salt Lake City nears century long snow gap

Salt Lake City International Airport went 327 days without at least one inch of snow in February 2026. This marked the longest such stretch since the winter of 1890 to 1891, according to the National Weather Service.

The record reflects how little snowfall has reached lower elevation areas this season. Residents reported warm conditions with no snow on the ground even during peak winter months.

Local reports showed people wearing shorts and T-shirts outdoors during winter. The unusual warmth has limited winter recreation and reduced snowboarding opportunities in the region.

Colorado River basin faces water risks

The Upper Colorado River Basin sits at the center of the snow drought in February 2026. Scientists said low snow levels in Colorado and Utah threaten the main water source for much of the Southwest.

Mountain snowpack normally melts gradually in spring. That process feeds rivers and provides water for agriculture, cities, and hydropower systems throughout the year.

When the snowpack is low or melts too quickly, rivers receive less water. Experts said the current snow drought is a serious concern for the Colorado River system.

Little-known fact: The American West is seeing so little snow this winter that snow cover is only about one-third of what it should be, raising big fears of water shortages and wildfires this spring.

Snowpack acts as the West’s water storage

Mountain snowpack serves as a natural water reservoir across the western United States. The snow slowly melts from winter into spring, providing steady water flow into rivers and streams.

This gradual melt helps supply water for farms, cities, and electric systems powered by hydropower. Scientists said a strong snowpack is essential for reliable water availability later in the year.

The reduced snowpack means less stored water. Experts warned that this shortfall could affect water supply across multiple states.

Dry January cut precipitation across region

Most western states received only half their average precipitation or less during January 2026. Scientists said the dry month contributed heavily to the current snow drought.

January usually brings significant snowfall across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. This year, warm temperatures and sunny weather prevented snow from accumulating.

California fared better than other states because of heavy rain in December. Even so, scientists said many parts of the West remain far below normal snow levels.

Warm temperatures turned snow into rain

Scientists said record low snowpack is mostly linked to unusually warm conditions across the West. The warmth is connected to climate change driven by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.

More than 8,500 daily high temperature records have been broken or tied across the region since December 1, according to federal data. These high temperatures changed the type of precipitation falling in the mountains.

Instead of snow that stays for months, much of the precipitation fell as rain. Rain runs off quickly and does not build long-term snowpack.

Snow only fell at highest elevations

Researchers said that in December 2025, it was so warm that snow only accumulated at the highest mountain elevations. Lower elevation areas received little or no lasting snow cover.

As January 2026 began, conditions turned very dry across most of the region. The combination of warmth and dryness kept snow levels far below average.

Scientists said this pattern lasted for three to four weeks across many western states. The persistent warmth prevented normal winter snow buildup.

Early wildfire season becomes more likely

Experts warned that the snow drought could lead to an earlier wildfire season. Snow normally protects the ground and vegetation until late spring.

When snow disappears earlier than average, soils and plants dry out faster. Scientists said this increases the risk of wildfires during warmer months.

Researchers noted that reduced snow cover exposes the land sooner. This creates conditions that allow fires to start earlier in the season.

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Forecast brings snow but not full recovery

Meteorologists expect cooler and wetter weather across the West during mid-February 2026. Some snowfall is forecast, which could reduce the severity of the snow drought.

Scientists said the incoming storms may help improve conditions slightly. However, experts do not expect snow levels to return to average this season.

Researchers said the best outcome would be a small reduction in the snow deficit. Even with new snowfall, water supply concerns are likely to continue.

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How worried are you about the snow drought in the West? Share your thoughts in the comments and leave a like if this issue matters to you.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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