Last weekend’s winter storm brought snow and ice to many regions, but out West, it’s a different story. States like Colorado and Utah are facing unusually low snowpack levels, which experts are calling alarming.
In Colorado, snowpack levels are the lowest on record for this time of year, according to Peter Goble, the assistant state climatologist. “All of our mountain ranges are well below normal,” he said. Similar concerns are echoed in Utah, where Kevin Perry, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Utah, mentioned they are nearing the lowest snowpack ever for February.
This lack of snowpack isn’t just a winter issue; it has serious implications for water supply, agriculture, and wildfire risk later in the year. Snowpack in the mountains melts and replenishes rivers and reservoirs during spring and summer, providing essential water for irrigation and hydropower generation.
The National Resources Conservation Service tracks snowpack levels across Western states. Their data shows that most basins are significantly below average. This widespread lack of snow is not typical. Usually, some regions see lower levels, but now it seems nearly every area is affected.
In Washington state, conditions this January felt more like early summer, with volcanic rock exposed on Mount Saint Helens. Reasons for this snow shortage vary. Overall, the West has experienced unusually warm temperatures this winter. For example, last December was the warmest on record for states like Washington and Oregon. Instead of snow, many areas received rain, which doesn’t help build the snowpack.
According to researchers, climate change is playing a role in these shifting weather patterns. A 2024 study in Nature found a clear decline in snowpack across the Northern Hemisphere linked to climate changes.
Utah’s conditions are also worrying. Early rain in November and December caused snow below 9,000 feet to melt away. While the high elevations still have decent snowpack, lower areas are dry. Colorado has seen similar trends, with December 2025 being nine degrees warmer than average.
California’s snow situation is somewhat better, especially in the southern Sierras, where some areas have above-average accumulation. However, for most Western regions, relief doesn’t seem to be in sight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts continued dry and warm conditions for the next few weeks.
Mote points out that while there’s still hope for recovery in some places, for many areas like Eastern Washington and parts of Idaho, the snowpack’s fate is likely sealed. Discussions about the Colorado River are becoming more pressing due to this low snowpack. The river is a critical resource for 40 million people, and dwindling water supplies are already making negotiations more urgent.
In short, the situation is serious for the West. The impact of low snowpack levels on water systems and agriculture could lead to larger challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for careful management of water resources.
