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Satellite Images Confirm Record Low Snowpack in Western US

Satellite images confirm record low snowpack in the western US following an extreme March heat wave. Snowpack, which normally peaks in spring, has melted prematurely, with California's snow water equivalent at 22% of average and the Colorado River Basin at historic lows. This intensifies drought risks, increases wildfire potential, and threatens water for over 35 million people. Climate scientists link the heat wave to human-induced global warming, noting such events are virtually impossible without it. With winter warming rapidly, future snowpack is expected to decline further, posing long-term challenges for regional water management.

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Satellite Images Confirm Record Low Snowpack in Western US

A record warm March has melted an already low snowpack across the western United States, with satellite imagery documenting the rapid decline and raising concerns for summer water supplies and wildfire risks.

Record Warmth Drives Unprecedented Melt

  • March 2026 was the warmest on record, with temperatures soaring up to 30 degrees above normal.
  • The heat wave, described as unprecedented, began two weeks ago and persists, accelerating snowpack loss.
  • Snowpack was already at record lows due to one of the driest and warmest winters on record.

Satellite Evidence of Dramatic Decline

  • NASA Worldview imagery compares snowpack from March 8 to March 21, 2026, showing significant reduction in the Colorado Rockies and Sierra Nevada.
  • In the Colorado Rockies, snow cover has decreased sharply, with peak snowpack likely occurring a month early in early March.
  • Similar declines are visible in California's Sierra Nevada and Utah's Wasatch Range.
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Regional Impacts

Colorado Rockies

  • Snowpack typically peaks in early April but likely peaked in early March 2026 due to persistent heat.
  • Forecasted snow next week is unlikely to restore snowpack to normal levels.

California

  • Snow water equivalent, a key measurement, dropped to 22% of the average over the past month.
  • Snow cover in the Sierra Nevada fell from 52% on March 1 to 21% on March 24.

Colorado River Basin

  • Snow water equivalent is at its lowest on record for both the Lower and Upper Basins.
  • The Colorado River supplies water to over 35 million people, industries, and crops across seven states.

Climate Change Link and Future Outlook

  • Analysis by World Weather Attribution found the heat wave would be "virtually impossible" without human-caused global warming.
  • Winter is the fastest-warming season in the US, leading to lower overall snowpack, earlier peaks, and worsening conditions.
  • Low snowpack could deepen drought, exacerbate water disputes, and strain supplies for homes, agriculture, and power generation if hot, dry conditions persist.
  • Climate change increases the likelihood and severity of such heat waves, threatening future snowpack trends and water security.
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