Snow drought in the West could bring water shortages and wildfires this spring

Experts report a historic snow drought across multiple Western states, with record-low mountain snowpack and unusually warm winter temperatures. Federal and regional forecasts say that low snowmelt could reduce water supplies and raise the risk of earlier wildfire conditions in the months ahead.

At ski areas and mountain towns across the U.S. West, unusually bare slopes this winter have drawn attention to an unusually small mountain snowpack. State and federal climate and water officials described this as a historic snow drought affecting several states and major river basins. Satellite and agency data showed snow cover far below normal for the date, and regional forecasts point to continuing low runoff this spring. Key facts: - State climatologists and a NIDIS report say Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, among others, are facing record-low snowpack this season. - NASA imagery and the National Snow and Ice Data Center reported the lowest mid-January snow-cover extent in satellite records begun in 2001. - Snowpack supplies roughly three-quarters of the West's water; Lake Powell was reported at about 25% of capacity, and federal forecasts say its levels could fall further by year’s end, which may affect hydropower generation. - Agencies note that reduced snowpack and earlier melt increase the risk of an earlier or more active wildfire season in parts of the region. Summary: The low snowpack is expected to strain water supplies and heighten fire concerns across large parts of the Western United States, with effects likely to be felt through spring and summer. Undetermined at this time.