American West Faces Record Snow Drought Amid Rising Temperatures

Wed Feb 11 2026 01:40:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Unprecedented warm temperatures and snow depletion across the western U.S. threaten water supplies, exacerbate wildfire risks, and impact tourism amidst a changing climate.

A combination of record-low snowpack and higher-than-average temperatures is raising concerns in the American West about dwindling water supplies, an increased risk of wildfires, and negative impacts on winter tourism. Experts note an unusual persistence in these weather patterns, which are attributed to climate change. Many states, particularly Oregon, Colorado, and Utah, report their lowest snowpack levels recorded, leading to fears of insufficient water later in the year for crucial sectors like agriculture. The coming weeks may bring some relief, but scientists remain skeptical about a full recovery of snowpack levels.

The American West is grappling with a record snow drought coupled with unprecedented heat, leading to significant concerns about dwindling water supplies and a looming wildfire threat. The National Snow and Ice Data Center reports that snow cover and depth are at their lowest in decades, with at least 67 weather stations across the West experiencing the warmest December through early February on record.

Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, expressed his astonishment at the unyielding weather patterns, stating, I have not seen a winter like this before, this pattern that we’re in is so darned persistent. The statistics speak volumes: while normal snow cover for this time of year should span about 460,000 square miles, current figures show only about 155,000 square miles, roughly the size of California.

Oregon has recorded snowpack levels that are 30% lower than previous records, exacerbating fears as similar trends are noted in Colorado and Utah. With January's precipitation falling short, many Western states are significantly behind their historical averages.

Warming temperatures due to climate change are significantly intensifying these issues. Over 8,500 high temperature records were set since December 1, leading to rain events instead of the much-needed snow, with critical implications for the region’s future water supply.

Meteorologists forecast some relief with possible cooler and wetter weather ahead, but concerns remain about not achieving even average snowpack levels this season. Daniel Swain, from the University of California's Water Resources Institute, emphasized the potential adverse impacts on agriculture and hydropower from insufficient winter snowfall.

Ultimately, the current snow drought could lead to an early wildfire season as the lack of snow begins to dry out the ground, showcasing further challenges ahead for the region.