Snowpack Across Western States Showing No Signs of Improvement | Long Term Forecast Also Poor

The snowpack across the western states shows no signs of improving, with 100% of California, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico all showing below average snowpacks. As we are all well aware, this is not great for current skiing conditions, nor for the summer water levels.

Current record high temps, especially in California, are having a negative impact on the snowpack. Although there is above average precipitation, much of it is falling as rain, as also reported in Montana and Idaho.

According to UCB, at approximately halfway through the snow accumulation season in California, the snowpack is only at about 30%. Along with that, it doesn’t look like it will improve much in the near future as above average temperatures and below average precipitation are forecasted to impact the state in February. It’s not just California though, the west is looking pretty rough in general as well.

Current Water-Related Statistics In CA:

Precipitation: 105% of Average

Snowfall: 33% of Average

Snow Water Equivalent: 34% of Average

The future isn’t looking too bright either, NOAA’s February, March, April outlook isn’t great for many of the states that already have low snowpacks.