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Record Low April 1 Snowpack across Western U.S. Means Impending Water Shortages  

Key Highlights

• The 2026 snow season saw above normal temperatures, began late, accumulated below normal snowpack, peaked early, and melted rapidly.
• Longterm snow course records show some of the lowest levels observed in more than a century.
• Spring and summer streamflow volumes are likely to approach or fall below historical minimums across many western basins, causing widespread water shortages.
• The most severe impacts are expected in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, eastern Oregon, and southern Idaho, but all western states face some risk of reduced water availability.

Key Details

The NRCS Snow Survey & Water Supply Forecasting Program has collected snowpack measurements and provided seasonal streamflow forecasts in support of western water management since 1935. The April 1, 2026 snowpack measurements are at or near record low levels throughout the western United States. The April 1 snowpack is a critical benchmark for the forecasting and management of western water supply because it’s generally when the mountain snowpack reaches its seasonal peak.  Between the NRCS’s SNOTEL and manual Snow Course networks, and the California Department of Water Resources ground-based snow monitoring networks,  there were 1575 distinct measurements of snow-water-equivalent (SWE) for the April 1 survey in 2026. Of the 1575 measurements, 80% were below the 20^th percentile – which characterizes Snow Drought conditions, 70% were below the 10^th percentile, and 65% set or tied new record low values.  

Most western regional watersheds have new SNOTEL-era record-low April 1 SWE. While the SNOTEL network generally extends back to the early 1980s, the manual snow course network can exceed 100 years of recurring snow measurements. In years like 2026, the Snow Course records help contextualize the historical relevance of record-setting conditions. Of the Snow Courses with 70 or more years of measurements, April 1, 2026, SWE is the lowest or 2^nd lowest at 67% of those sites.

Since western mountain snowpack is the leading indicator and primary source for spring and summer water availability, the snow drought signature is evident in the region’s water supply forecasts.  New record low spring and summer streamflow will be broadly realized in areas that remain dry into the summer.  Portions of all major western watersheds are expecting water shortages, posing serious challenges for agricultural, municipal, industrial, recreational and environmental sectors.

More Information

For more details on snowpack and water supply at the state and local level, please visit the NRCS’s Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program’s homepage here, or see the following April 1 Snowpack & Water Supply Outlook Reports:

Alaska  Arizona Colorado Idaho Montana

Nevada New Mexico Oregon Utah

Washington Wyoming

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