Record Low Snow in the West Will Mean Less Water, More Fire, and Political Chaos

Wired

by Molly Taft

February 13, 2026

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Record low snowpack levels across the western United States are raising alarms about water scarcity, increased wildfire risks, and growing political tensions over resources. As of February 12, snowpack in nine Western states was at less than half its normal level, with some areas experiencing their lowest levels in decades. This widespread "snow drought" stretches from Washington to Arizona and New Mexico, leaving forests dry and ecosystems vulnerable. Climate scientist Daniel Swain warns that the combination of record warmth and low snowfall is creating a perfect storm for ecological and political crises. The situation is particularly concerning because winter is when much of the West's water supply is determined. Snowpack typically melts in spring, feeding streams and reservoirs. However, this year's warm temperatures have caused precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, even at high elevations. This shift is exacerbating water shortages and drying out forests, making them more susceptible to wildfires. Additionally, burned areas from recent fires are further compounding the issue by causing snowmelt to occur faster than usual. The Colorado River Basin, which provides water for 40 million people across seven states, is at the heart of this crisis. Negotiations to renegotiate century-old water-sharing agreements are already challenging, and the current snow drought adds another layer of urgency. Swain emphasizes that while there is still time for significant winter storms to replenish snowpack levels, the deficit is so large that

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Originally published on Wired on 2/13/2026