It’s still early in the season, but this image of the current snowpack across most of the western states makes for good reading. As winter approaches, the latest snow water equivalent data from December 4 reveals a varied snowpack across the Western United States, with some states experiencing exceptional early-season conditions while others lag behind.
Oregon is leading the charge with remarkable snowpack levels. Many basins report snow water equivalents of 2-300% of the median, with one area reaching 950%. After a great start to the season, Washington has reverted to the mean and is just above average.
California and Nevada are not far behind Oregon, with all basins above average, the highest being 210% in California and 227% in Nevada. Last week’s atmospheric river that dumped feet of snow on the Sierra Nevada has made a huge difference.
Colorado is above normal, with the southern half significantly better off than the north. Similarly, in Utah, the southern and western halves of the state are about 130% of normal, whereas the Salt Lake City and Park City resorts are slightly below the average.
Except for Arizona, Wyoming is struggling the most this early season, with all basins below average and the Tetons almost half of average. Most of Montana is below average, and Idaho is faring slightly better.
It’s worth repeating that it’s still early in the season, and some storms will soon turn this around. No need to start doing your snow dances just yet.
