Western US Faces Snow Drought, Increasing Water Shortage Risks

A record snow drought and unprecedented heat are adversely affecting the American West, leading to depleted water supplies, increased wildfire risk, and negative impacts on winter tourism. Snow cover is at its lowest in decades, with only 155,000 square miles compared to the normal 460,000. States like Oregon, Colorado, and Utah report their lowest snowpack since the early 1980s, exacerbated by climate change. Meteorologists anticipate some snowfall, but it is unlikely to sufficiently alleviate the current deficits.

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