Drought in the West: Snow Drought

People and ecosystems throughout the West depend on snowmelt to replenish groundwater, waterways, and soil moisture. Snow droughts occurs when snowpack is abnormally low, relative to the time of year and location. This type of drought can have significant economic and ecological effects. This fact sheet, part of the Drought in the West fact sheet series, explains the two types of snow drought, gives more details about their effects, and offers additional resources.