… As of Jan. 23, the snowpack at the [UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow] lab stood at 61% of average for this time of year, with about 2 feet of snow covering the ground around the facility. Other areas are faring worse. In parts of Utah, Colorado and other Western states, federal data show snow levels at some locations are at or near record lows. Across the Sierra Nevada, measurements show that California’s snowpack stands at 66% of average for this time of year. There are regional differences, with the northern Sierra measuring 50% of average and the southern Sierra at 86% of average. … California’s snowpack has traditionally provided nearly a third of the state’s water supply.

Other snowpack and water supply news around the West:

• Denver Gazette (Colo.): Colorado snowpack falls to record low with slim chance of recovery
• KJZZ (Phoenix): These planes with lasers will measure snow from Arizona skies
• TownLift (Park City, Utah): Utah’s lagging snowpack prompts calls for residential water conservation measures
• KTVU (Oakland, Calif.): California dry streak, why 15 days of no rain matter
• Summit Daily (Frisco, Colo.): Opinion: Drought and the 2026 water year
• California WaterBlog: Not dry, but drought remains an issue, mid-wet season 2026