Western U.S. Faces Snow Drought Amid Record Low Snowpack
Western U.S. Faces Snow Drought Amid Record Low Snowpack
US · Published Jan 29, 2026
Record low snowpack levels are occurring across the Western U.S., especially in Colorado and Utah.
Warmer temperatures are causing more precipitation to fall as rain, worsening drought conditions.
The snow drought threatens water supplies, increases wildfire risk, and impacts winter recreation industries.
Snowpack levels plummet to record lows
The Western United States is currently grappling with a severe snow drought, as snowpack levels plummet to record lows across several states. Colorado and Utah are among the hardest hit, with Colorado experiencing its lowest snowpack on record for this time of year, according to Peter Goble, the assistant state climatologist. Utah is also facing unprecedented low snowpack levels, as highlighted by Kevin Perry, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Utah.
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