Western US gripped by extreme snow drought: ‘I’ve never seen a winter like this’

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Gabrielle Canon and agenciesFebruary 11, 2026 at 06:42 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The western US is experiencing a record snow drought, with snow cover at approximately one-third of the typical amount for this time of year. Oregon, Colorado, and Utah have reported their lowest snowpack levels since the early 1980s due to an unusually warm winter. This lack of snowpack, a crucial water source, is raising concerns about water availability for millions of people, agriculture, and ecosystems. The drought is adding pressure to ongoing negotiations regarding the Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people across seven states, farmland, tribes, and parts of Mexico. The states dependent on the river are struggling to agree on how to manage the dwindling resources, facing an end-of-week deadline.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% Mexico 40% Utah 60% Oregon 60% Daniel Swain 70% National Snow and Ice Data Center ×270% Colorado ×270% Mark Serreze 70% Colorado River 80% Western United States ×590%

Keywords

snow drought 100% western us 90% snowpack 80% water scarcity 70% colorado river 60% climate crisis 60% water management 50% fire risk 50% extreme weather 40%