Western US gripped by extreme snow drought: 'I've never seen a winter like this'
3 days ago
- #water-crisis
- #climate-change
- #wildfire-risk
- Record snow drought in the western US, with snow cover at roughly a third of typical levels.
- Oregon, Colorado, and Utah report their lowest statewide snowpack since the early 1980s.
- Extremely warm winter fueling the dire conditions, breaking records across the region.
- Snowpack is a crucial water source for millions, agriculture, and ecosystems, with water content below median levels.
- Low snow levels add pressure to urgent negotiations over the Colorado River's future.
- 80% of the Colorado River's supply goes to agriculture, including water-intensive crops like alfalfa and hay.
- States dependent on the Colorado River remain at an impasse over water management.
- February’s water supply outlook for the Colorado River basin was the worst in over 30 years.
- Snow drought could lead to an early wildfire season due to early drying of the landscape.
- Meteorologists expect wetter, cooler weather, but scientists doubt it will significantly improve snowpack levels.