Record Low Snowpack Across American West as Unprecedented March Heat Melts Snowpack

Key Points

• Snowpack levels in April are matching typical May-June readings, months after normal peak
• March 2026 set record-high temperatures across the American West
• The 2025-26 water year snowpack faces potential decimation
• This could be one of the earliest peak snowpacks ever recorded in the 21st century

Full Details

Snow surveys across the American West are showing grim results after an unusually warm winter and searing March temperatures left critical snowpack at record-low levels throughout the region. Colorado State University climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher stated, 'This year is on a whole other level,' describing the intense heat that rapidly melted the already sparse snowpack in March. Snow water equivalent measurements going into April were at levels typically seen in May or June, months after the normal peak. Climate scientist Daniel Swain warned that 'the most consequential impact of our record-shattering March heat will likely be the decimation of the water year 2025-26 snowpack.' Andy Reising, manager of California DWR's Snow Surveys, said it is increasingly likely this season will be one of the lowest April 1 snowpacks on record and one of the earliest peak snowpacks in the 21st century.