December 21, 2012

Current Snowpack

More favorable storm tracks since December 1 have led to widespread increases in the snowpack across the region, with the most dramatic gains being seen in Colorado and eastern Utah. The Current Basin Snowpack map from NRCS shows Colorado basin snowpacks ranging from 58–81% of average, compared to 30–50% as of December 1. Utah basin snowpacks are all near or above average, while Wyoming basin snowpacks are near or above average except in the southeast corner of the state, where they are below average. The basinwide snowpack for the Upper Colorado River above Lake Powell as of December 21 is at 86% of average, up from 60% of average on December 1.

Seasonal Climate and Drought Forecasts

The latest monthly and seasonal Climate Outlooks released on December 20 by NOAA CPC are now showing a slight tilt towards drier-than-average conditions for the winter and early spring in the southern portion of our region. The CPC Climate Outlooks continue to show enhanced odds for above-normal temperatures for the winter season, consistent with the long-term trend towards warmer conditions. The latest CPC Seasonal Drought Outlook released December 20 again projects that the drought conditions across our region will persist, through at least March 2013.

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