SALT LAKE CITY, UT — As winter unfolds in Utah, the state is grappling with a concerning lack of snowpack, which is crucial for water resources during the warmer months. Recent reports indicate that as of January 4, 62% of snow measurement stations in Utah are classified as being in a "snow drought," meaning that the snow water equivalent (SWE) is falling below the 20th percentile, according to the latest update from Drought.gov. This alarming statistic underscores a season that has seen too little of the cold, mountain snow that typically fills the state's reservoirs. Meteorologists have linked this snow deficit to unusually warm temperatures recorded in December. This warmth has resulted in precipitation falling as rain rather than snow, leading to the melting of low-elevation snow and a reduction in the overall amount of water stored within the snowpack. Jordan Clayton, a data collection officer with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah Snow Survey, noted in a January 9 email that the season started with “record-breaking warm conditions and poor snow cover,” further complicating the situation. Clayton explained that while storms have brought some snowfall, they have also resulted in an “unusual amount of liquid precipitation” at both mid- and high-elevation areas. As of January 1, 20 SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) stations across Utah recorded their lowest snow water equivalent levels on record, with eight additional stations reporting their second-worst conditions for the date. Although early January storms helped improve statewide snow water content from 56% to 75% of normal, Clayton cautioned that many areas still remain significantly below desired levels. The NRCS's Utah SNOTEL Snowpack Update Report, released on January 15, highlights the ongoing challenges faced in several basins. The report indicates that the Lower Sevier River basin is at a mere 27% of average snowpack levels, while the Tooele Valley–Vernon Creek basin is at 32%, and the Price–San Rafael basin is at 62%. In the Wasatch Back and much of northern Utah, snowpack levels are slightly better, with the Weber–Ogden rivers and the Provo River–Utah Lake–Jordan River both at 65%. However, some regions, such as the Northeastern Uintahs, show more promising levels at 87%. The implications of these snowpack levels are far-reaching for Utah's water supply. The Utah Division of Water Resources reports that approximately 95% of the state's water comes from mountain snowpack. This snowpack acts as a natural reservoir, storing water that will be crucial for agricultural, municipal, and ecological needs in the spring and summer months. While rain from warmer storms can temporarily boost moisture levels and benefit soil health, it does not provide the long-term water storage that snowpack does. Looking ahead, Clayton remains hopeful that conditions can still change as the winter progresses. He cites past winters that began with low snow water content but ultimately ended with above-normal totals. However, with multiple basins still significantly behind as of mid-January, the outlook for Utah's water supply will rely heavily on whether upcoming storms bring colder conditions that can build snowpack rather than just rain. The latest climate data paints a stark picture of Utah's current weather patterns. The NOAA High Plains Regional Climate Center reported that December 2025 was the warmest on record for Salt Lake City, with temperatures averaging between 9 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Such anomalies not only affect the immediate precipitation patterns but also raise concerns about long-term climate trends that could threaten Utah's water resources. As Utah navigates this challenging winter, state officials, meteorologists, and water managers will be closely monitoring upcoming weather patterns. The delicate balance of precipitation types—snow versus rain—will ultimately determine the health of Utah's water supply for the coming year. As the state continues to rely on snowpack to sustain its water needs, the hope remains that colder storms will arrive in time to bolster the diminishing winter snowpack and secure water resources for the months ahead.