Colorado fire
The Western United States is experiencing its worst snowpack in decades, raising the risk of wildfires and drought for many this summer.
According to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as of Feb. 1, snow cover across the Wester U.S. was 139,000 square miles. It's usually around 460,000 square miles. It's the lowest amount of snow cover of record for that date, with federal satellite data that goes back to 2001.
A warm, dry January resulted in most Western states receiving 50% or less of their normal precipitation. High temperatures melted much of the snow that did fall.
At least 67 Western weather stations registered their warmest December through early February on record. In Salt Lake City, as of Feb. 9, it had been 327 days since the airport saw 1 inch of snow, the longest stretch since 1890.
The lack of snow puts major water supply basins at risk of severe drought. Snowmelt from the mountains typically flows into major rivers, like the Colorado, and their tributaries, eventually filling reservoirs that supply water to millions. One of those major reservoirs, Lake Powell, is currently only about 25% full, and if dry conditions continue, experts estimate the lake will receive just 38% of its average water supply through July.
The dry, warm winter could also lead to an early and intense wildfire season for many Western states. When snow melts faster, the sun is able to dry soil and vegetation more quickly, creating kindling earlier in the season.
The next two weeks could bring wetter weather to the West, but several months of moisture are needed to bring conditions back to normal.
"All of us are watching the unseasonable weather, the lack of snow pack, and are scared for what is headed our way," said Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser at a water conference last week. "We know that we are in a drought. We know that we've got challenges ahead."
Photo credit: Jonatan/Adobe Stock
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