U.S. News
Major Winter Storms Aim to End Snow Drought
Clear Facts
- Several states in the West are facing a historic snow drought, with the Upper Colorado Basin at a record low for snow.
- Salt Lake City, Utah has gone 330 days without at least 1 inch of snowfall; Grand Junction, Colorado extends to 442 days.
- Multiple waves of storms are expected to bring significant mountain snow and heavy rain to the West, including California, through next week.
Mountain regions in the West will see heavy snowfall as a major dip in the jet stream brings active weather beginning Sunday.
Lower elevations, especially in California and Southern California, are forecast to receive substantial rainfall following weeks of drought.
The forecast calls for consecutive storms which could result in double-digit feet of snow in ranges like the Sierra, Rockies, Colorado Basins, and Wasatch.
“These heavy snows will offer much-needed replenishment to regions that are snow-starved throughout the West.”
Heavy rainfall in Southern California could bring up to 5 inches to cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, increasing the risk of flash flooding in areas hit by 2025’s wildfires.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a low-level flash flood threat is active, and NOAA predicts above-average precipitation will continue through February for much of the West.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
