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

States brace for less water and fire risks as Oregon, Colorado and Utah report lowest statewide snowpack since 1980s

A record snow drought is plaguing the western US, leaving some of the thirstiest states bracing for less water and elevated fire risks through the drier months to come.

Snow cover is roughly a third of what it typically is for this time of year across the west, according to measurements from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, prompting widespread concern among experts and water managers that several key basins will be severely affected through the rest of the year.