Record snow drought in Western US raises concern for spring water shortages and wildfire risk

A widespread snow drought and unusually warm winter have left snow cover and mountain snowpack at decades-low levels across much of the American West, reducing the water stored for spring and summer. Meteorologists expect some cooler, wetter weather this week, but scientists say deficits are likely to remain.

Much of the American West is experiencing a record snow drought this winter, with snow cover and snow depth at the lowest levels seen in decades. Temperatures have been unusually warm across the region, and hundreds of daily high temperature records were broken or tied since December. Scientists link the unusually warm pattern to human-caused climate change and say the low snowpack reduces the amount of water that would normally be stored for use later in the year. Key facts: - Snow cover this year is about 155,000 square miles versus a typical 460,000 square miles, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. - At least 67 Western weather stations recorded their warmest December through early February on record, and Oregon's snowpack is not only a record low but about 30% lower than the previous record, NOAA officials reported. - The Upper Colorado River Basin has been identified as a central area affected by the meager snowpack, which reduces late-season runoff for rivers and reservoirs. - Meteorologists expect some wetter, cooler weather and limited snow in the West this week, but scientists say it is unlikely to restore averages. Summary: The reduced mountain snowpack limits the seasonal water storage that normally feeds rivers, reservoirs and hydropower systems, and scientists report this increases the risk of earlier drying of soils and vegetation. Experts also note the conditions raise concern for an earlier or more active wildfire season. Meteorologists anticipate some short-term relief this week, and whether that will meaningfully close the current deficits is undetermined at this time.