March 2026 State of the Western U.S. Snowpack: Showing Slight Improvement But Still Below Average

By this time, it is well known that the ski season in much of the Western U.S. has seen below-average snowfall. Warmer temperatures and less frequent storms have left mountain snow totals struggling to build, particularly in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and the Rockies.

• Related: Majority of Western United States with Record Low Snowpack: How it Affects Ski Resorts and What it Means For the Summer

The snowpack builds gradually through the season as layers from each storm settle and compact. When storms are frequent and temperatures stay cold, the snowpack deepens and strengthens. But if the weather turns warm or dry, it may fall short of expectations.

Snowpack is measured in two main ways: total snow depth and snow-water equivalent (SWE). SWE is especially important because it quantifies the water actually stored in the snow, providing a clearer picture of how much runoff may be available in spring. For instance, 10 feet of dense snow can hold as much water as 20 feet of lighter snow.

Let’s take a look at the current SWE across the U.S. to see how this early-season snowpack stacks up against the 30-year median.

Overall, the snowpack as a percent of average has seen a slight improvement since last month. 

Regional Snowpack Breakdown

• Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico: These states remain heavily “in the red,” with nearly every basin reporting less than 50% of the median Snow Water Equivalent (SWE).

• Utah’s Recovery: Utah has seen a notable shift. While some southern basins remain low, the central and northern basins have all moved over 50%.

• Eastern Sierra and Western Wyoming: These areas continue to be the “bright spots” on the map.

  • Western Wyoming: Boasts some of the highest numbers in the West, with basins reporting between solid numbers in the 90% of average range.

  • Eastern Sierra: While the broader region is still recovering from a “warm” snow drought, specific high-elevation basins near the California-Nevada border are holding steady in the 80%–101% range.

While the season has trended dry so far, winter is not over yet. In many parts of the West, March and even April can deliver powerful storms that quickly boost snow totals and improve conditions. A few well-timed systems can go a long way toward rebuilding the snowpack and easing concerns about water supply and summer drought. For now, forecasters and mountain communities will be watching closely, knowing that spring still has the potential to reshape the season’s outcome.