Arizona has lost about 90% of its snowpack in just three weeks following this month’s record-breaking heat wave, according to a new survey. The snowpack in the White Mountains acts like a slow-release savings account that feeds Phoenix’s largest reservoirs. But this year, that bank is emptying fast. … Arizona State University and SRP have been tracking the snowpack from the sky using a new airborne survey that measures snow across the entire watershed, not just one spot. … SRP officials say runoff is still tracking below normal. But with reservoirs slightly more than half full, they say the water supply is stable for now as they wait for the next big wet year.

Other snowpack and drought news around the West:

• ABC7 (Denver, Colo.): Colorado farmers sound the alarm as the state faces its lowest snowpack levels on record
• KDVR (Denver, Colo.): Climate scientists, farmers share growing concern about water levels amid low snow
• The Denver Post (Colo.): Editorial: Colorado’s lowest snowpack on record is rapidly melting. We must prepare for drought.
• Food Manufacturing: 2026’s historic snow drought brings worries about water, wildfires and the future in the West
• NBC News: Colorado residents face earliest water restrictions ever
• Las Vegas Review-Journal: Henderson offers cash for homeowners to ditch their grass