Western U.S. Faces Severe Snow Drought Impacting Water Supplies and Winter Sports

The western United States is grappling with a significant snow drought as of early 2026, characterized by record low snowpack levels across multiple states, particularly Utah and Colorado. This winter has seen unusually mild temperatures, with areas like Fort Collins, Colorado, experiencing December temperatures comparable to March averages. The SNOTEL snow condition monitoring network indicates that many locations are reporting snow levels not seen since the winter of 1980-81. In Utah, the situation is dire for the winter sports industry, with Brad Riesenberg, owner of Backcountry Snowmobiling in Park City, noting a substantial decline in business due to insufficient snow.

Western US Faces Snow Drought, Threatening Summer Water SupplyCNNWestern US Faces Worsening Snow Drought Amid Ongoing StormsThe western US is in a snow drought, and storms have been making it worse

The lack of snowfall is raising concerns about summer water supplies, especially along the Colorado River, which is heavily reliant on spring snow runoff. Jon Meyer, Utah’s assistant state climatologist, emphasizes that the region's water supply is at risk, as the snowpack serves as a natural reservoir. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that up to 75% of the region’s annual water supply depends on snowmelt, making the current snow drought particularly alarming.

The western US is in a snow drought, and storms have been making it worseWestern US Faces Snow Drought, Threatening Summer Water SupplyCNNWestern US Faces Worsening Snow Drought Amid Ongoing Storms

Experts are increasingly worried about the long-term implications of this snow drought, linking it to broader climate shifts. Meyer warns that the risk of poor snow conditions could jeopardize the viability of snow for the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Erinanne Saffell, Arizona's state climatologist, echoes these concerns, noting that record heat in cities like Phoenix and Tucson further complicates the situation. The ongoing drought could exacerbate existing water supply challenges, particularly as demand continues to rise with population growth.

Western US Faces Snow Drought, Threatening Summer Water SupplyWestern US Faces Worsening Snow Drought Amid Ongoing StormsCNN

While there is hope for a change in weather patterns that could lead to increased snowfall, experts like Russ Schumacher caution that significant shifts are needed to build a sufficient snowpack before winter ends. Current forecasts do not indicate substantial changes in the near term, raising concerns about the potential for another dry year, which would have dire consequences for the Colorado River system.

Western US Faces Snow Drought, Threatening Summer Water Supply

Critics of current water management strategies argue that the ongoing snow drought highlights the need for more sustainable practices in water allocation and usage. The increasing frequency of such droughts, attributed to climate change, calls for urgent action to address the underlying issues affecting snowpack and water supply.

The western US is in a snow drought, and storms have been making it worse

• “This is up there with some of the worst [winters], if not the worst.” — Brad Riesenberg, Owner, Backcountry Snowmobiling

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• “Everyone is going to suffer from the lack of snowpack in the Rocky Mountains because that’s how this region gets its water,” — Brad Riesenberg, Owner, Backcountry Snowmobiling

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• “I think one area of concern, specifically here in Utah, is the risk of these kinds of years increasing,” — Jon Meyer, Assistant State Climatologist, Utah

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• “Another dry year doesn’t bode well for the Colorado River System.” — Russ Schumacher, State Climatologist, Colorado

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The ongoing snow drought in the western U.S. poses significant challenges for both the winter sports industry and the region's water supply, necessitating close monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate its impacts.

The western US is in a snow drought, and storms have been making it worse