Story perspectives

Western U.S. Faces Snow Crisis Amid Warm Temperatures

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Snow conditions in the western U.S. are concerning, with many areas reporting below-normal snow water equivalent (SWE).
In the northern Rockies, western Montana has SWE near or above median, while Idaho and Wyoming are significantly below.
Arizona's snowpack is at 90% of median, and New Mexico is at 75%.
The Pacific Northwest experiences a snow drought due to warm temperatures causing rain instead of snow.
California's SWE is critically low, particularly in the Northern Sierra at just 7% of median, while Alaska's Tanana River Basin shows SWE at 104% of median.

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Story summary

Snow conditions in the western U.S. are concerning, with many areas reporting below-normal snow water equivalent (SWE).
In the northern Rockies, western Montana has SWE near or above median, while Idaho and Wyoming are significantly below.
Arizona's snowpack is at 90% of median, and New Mexico is at 75%.
The Pacific Northwest experiences a snow drought due to warm temperatures causing rain instead of snow.
California's SWE is critically low, particularly in the Northern Sierra at just 7% of median, while Alaska's Tanana River Basin shows SWE at 104% of median.