Snow drought helped set the stage for deadly California avalanche, leading to unstable conditions - Associated Press News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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A snow drought in California created unstable snowpack conditions, directly contributing to a deadly avalanche that disrupted communities and highlighted the growing risks of climate-driven disasters. The lack of winter snowfall left the Sierra Nevada snowpack unusually weak and prone to collapse, setting the stage for the tragic event that buried roads and homes under tons of snow. This incident underscores how climate change is altering natural patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and challenging emergency response systems.
The snow drought, exacerbated by warmer temperatures and reduced winter precipitation, significantly weakened the snowpack's structural integrity. Normally, a healthy snowpack accumulates over months, creating a stable base that can withstand heavy snowfall. However, the lack of adequate snow cover this season made the existing snow layers vulnerable to collapse under their own weight or external stressors like additional snowfall or human activity. This instability was a critical factor in triggering the avalanche, which occurred when a massive slab of snow broke free and rapidly accelerated downhill.
The avalanche's impact was devastating, blocking highways, stranding vehicles, and burying areas in deep snow. Emergency responders faced significant challenges in reaching those affected, as the heavy snowfall reduced visibility and made rescue operations perilous. The incident also disrupted local communities, halting travel, commerce, and daily life for days. Such events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the need for robust preparedness measures.
This situation matters because it illustrates how climate change is reshaping weather patterns and increasing the likelihood of severe and sudden meteorological events. The snow drought and subsequent avalanche are part of a broader trend of extreme weather phenomena, from heatwaves to heavy precipitation events, that scientists
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026