Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Western U.S. Faces Historic Snow Drought and Water Crisis

3/24/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

This winter the Western United States faced a historic snow drought, with Aspen and Park City showing bare slopes.
Snowpack levels reached record lows across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, threatening water supplies and increasing wildfire risk.
The Colorado River Basin, vital for 40 million people, faces projections of severe shortages.
Because climate change accelerates snowmelt, California's Sierra Nevada snowpack remains about 50% of normal.

1 of 1

Story summary

This winter the Western United States faced a historic snow drought, with Aspen and Park City showing bare slopes.
Snowpack levels reached record lows across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, threatening water supplies and increasing wildfire risk.
The Colorado River Basin, vital for 40 million people, faces projections of severe shortages.
Because climate change accelerates snowmelt, California's Sierra Nevada snowpack remains about 50% of normal.