Washington Snowpack at 65% of Normal Threatens Summer Water Supply

Updated 2026-02-18 19:24:43+00:00 (8 articles)

Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)

The wheel of a car on an icy road. (Credit: snapshotfreddy - stock.adobe.com) Source Full size
Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)

A look at the snow depth at key locations in the Cascades as of Feb. 15. (Credit: KING) Source Full size
Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)

A look at the snow depth at key locations in the Cascades as of Feb. 15. (Credit: KING) Source Full size
Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)

Credit: KING Source Full size

Snowpack Holds About Two‑Thirds of Average Across Cascades Statewide snow depth sits near 65% of normal, with elevations between 3,000‑5,000 ft only at 40% of typical levels, prompting concerns for summer water storage. Snoqualmie Pass shows the greatest deficit, while Paradise on Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker remain closer to normal. The shortfall mirrors past El Niño‑linked winters such as 1976‑77 and 2014‑15 [1].

Lowland Snow Possible Mid‑Week as Arctic Air Persists A cold Alaskan air mass will push snow levels down to roughly 500 ft on Wednesday morning, allowing sleet or light snow from the Kitsap Peninsula to coastal foothills. Temperatures below freezing through Friday morning could create brief icy patches on cleared roads, though overall lowland impact is expected to stay limited. Snow levels should rise to about 1,500 ft by Saturday, ending the low‑elevation threat [2].

Models Predict Additional Snow but Wind Limits Capture Computer forecasts show more snowfall arriving later this week, yet prevailing winds run parallel to the Cascades, reducing precipitation capture in the critical basin. British Columbia’s slower‑declining snowpack may provide modest supplemental runoff for the Columbia River Basin, but its own deficits limit the benefit. The window for significant snow buildup narrows to the first two weeks of April [1].

Reduced Snowpack Raises Summer Water and Fire Concerns With only two‑thirds of expected snow, reservoirs may face shortages for irrigation and municipal use during the dry summer months. Drier fuels combined with high summer temperatures increase wildfire potential, while ski resorts could see earlier visitor declines regardless of depth. Officials monitor the situation as the region approaches the critical water‑use period [1].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 17, 2025 – Winds ease across western Washington as a cooler, more seasonal pattern settles, with snow forecasts of 5‑10 inches at Snoqualmie and Stevens passes and an atmospheric river expected to brush the region Thursday, while officials warn that saturated soils keep the risk of falling branches, power outages and localized landslides elevated. “Winds ease, cooler pattern takes hold” [8].

Dec 20, 2025 – Heavy mountain snow returns ahead of Christmas, delivering more than 18 inches at Stevens Pass and about 10 inches at Snoqualmie Pass, and forecasters project cumulative totals of 1 foot at those passes and 2‑3 feet at Mount Baker and Paradise by early Tuesday, prompting travel advisories for the passes. “Stevens Pass tops 18 inches; Snoqualmie Pass about 10 inches” [7].

Dec 27, 2025 – Light snow lingers in the Puget Sound convergence zone into Saturday morning, producing up to 2 inches in Snohomish and King counties while mountain passes collect 10‑14 inches, and a dry high‑pressure ridge brings cold‑night temperatures and a new system expected late Wednesday or Thursday to bring gradual warming. “Light snow in Puget Sound convergence zone lingers into Saturday morning” [5].

Dec 27, 2025 – The National Weather Service issues a Winter Weather Advisory for the Cascades through 4 a.m. Saturday, warning that snow levels will drop to around 2,500 ft on Friday and that 6‑12 inches of snow could fall across Snohomish, King, Whatcom and Skagit counties, prompting officials to urge travelers to check road conditions and carry emergency kits. “Winter Weather Advisory warns travel over Cascade passes” [6].

Jan 8, 2026 – Snow levels plunge to about 500 ft overnight, allowing wet snow to reach sea level in lowland areas Thursday morning, while a Winter Storm Warning promises an additional 2‑4 feet of snow in the Cascades and a High Surf Advisory runs along the coast, with officials noting the first 5:01 p.m. sunset will occur on Jan 26. “Snow levels to drop to about 1,500 feet Wednesday, then near 500 feet overnight” [4].

Jan 29, 2026 – Despite recent snowfall, Washington’s Cascade snowpack remains far below normal, with Oregon’s statewide snowpack at its second‑lowest level since 1981, deep deficits persisting in central and southern Cascades, and officials warn that insufficient snow threatens the state’s spring streamflow. “Snowpack remains far below normal despite fresh snow” [3].

Feb 17, 2026 – Snow levels fall to roughly 500 ft Wednesday morning, creating a chance for lowland wet snow and slick roads across Kitsap Peninsula and coastal foothills, while mountains are expected to add 6‑12 inches of snow by week’s end and lingering Arctic air will raise snow levels to about 1,500 ft by Saturday, reducing lowland snow chances. “Snow levels drop to about 500 ft Wednesday morning” [2].

Feb 18, 2026 – Statewide snowpack sits at roughly 65 % of normal, with Snoqualmie Pass showing the greatest deficit, British Columbia’s slower‑declining snowpack offering limited relief to the Columbia Basin, and models forecasting additional snowfall this week though prevailing winds limit capture; the dry winter mirrors past El Niño‑linked seasons of 1976‑77, 1980‑81 and 2014‑15, and officials warn the low snowpack could raise summer fire risk and affect ski tourism. “Statewide snowpack at roughly 65% of normal” [1].