Western Snow Shortages Heighten Fire Risk and Drought Worries

Rain and snow are anticipated to return to the Rockies and the Western U.S. in the coming weeks. However, this precipitation is expected to make only a minor impact on the ongoing snow drought and dry conditions affecting various regions in the West.

Currently, approximately 20% of the United States is grappling with severe, extreme, or exceptional drought conditions. This marks an increase from 17.6% at the same time last year. The warmer and drier weather patterns observed late this winter could elevate the risk of wildfires sooner than many might anticipate, according to a recent report from AccuWeather.

Related: Rising Fire Risk Prompts Utilities to Deliberately Cut Power

AccuWeather’s long-range forecasters indicate that the harshest cold of winter is now behind us. However, the remainder of the season is likely to present various weather challenges, including ice jams, flooding, severe storms, and an increased risk of wildfires.

“The return of storms to the West Coast and Rockies is welcome news after significant water deficits, but it won’t completely erase long-term drought concerns,” stated Paul Pastelok, a lead long-range expert. “Warmer and drier conditions in the Southwest late this winter could increase wildfire risk sooner than many people expect.”

Related: Massive Wildfire Liabilities Push Utilities to Use AI to Stop Blazes

As it stands, snow cover across the contiguous U.S. is at 30%. In New England, snowpack at resorts is currently around 130% of historical averages, while many resorts in California are experiencing snow levels approximately 40% below historical norms.

Rain and snow are anticipated to return to the Rockies and the Western U.S. in the coming weeks. However, this precipitation is expected to make only a minor impact on the ongoing snow drought and dry conditions affecting various regions in the West.

Currently, approximately 20% of the United States is grappling with severe, extreme, or exceptional drought conditions. This marks an increase from 17.6% at the same time last year. The warmer and drier weather patterns observed late this winter could elevate the risk of wildfires sooner than many might anticipate, according to a recent report from AccuWeather.

Related: Rising Fire Risk Prompts Utilities to Deliberately Cut Power

AccuWeather’s long-range forecasters indicate that the harshest cold of winter is now behind us. However, the remainder of the season is likely to present various weather challenges, including ice jams, flooding, severe storms, and an increased risk of wildfires.

“The return of storms to the West Coast and Rockies is welcome news after significant water deficits, but it won’t completely erase long-term drought concerns,” stated Paul Pastelok, a lead long-range expert. “Warmer and drier conditions in the Southwest late this winter could increase wildfire risk sooner than many people expect.”

Related: Massive Wildfire Liabilities Push Utilities to Use AI to Stop Blazes

As it stands, snow cover across the contiguous U.S. is at 30%. In New England, snowpack at resorts is currently around 130% of historical averages, while many resorts in California are experiencing snow levels approximately 40% below historical norms.