Above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation continued to rapidly melt out western U.S. snowpack. Nearly all western basins are now in late season snow drought, despite many stations reaching near to above-average peak snow water equivalent (SWE) during the snow accumulation season. Some stations, including some in Nevada, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, saw record early melt out. The rapid depletion of snow, coupled with increased evaporative demand (the “thirst” of the atmosphere), can rapidly dry the landscape. Landscapes drying out earlier than normal can lead to an early start to the fire season. Snowmelt this time of year is common, but such rapid melt rates are not normal. In some instances, above-normal temperatures such as these can cause snow to sublimate (going from a solid to a gas) and reduce runoff into streams and reservoirs.

Other snowmelt and snow drought news:

• Nevada Current: Lake Mead in for a painful summer after dry winter
• The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah): Southern Utah is used to hot summers with little water. This year is shaping up to be especially bad.
• The Aspen Times (Colo.): Low snowpack leading to an early — and very low — peak runoff for Roaring Fork River