The 2026-27 winter is off to a mixed start across the Western United States, with some regions building an impressive early snowpack while others lag behind. California and the Southwest are off to a promising start, but parts of the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest are struggling to keep up. With winter still getting underway, the latest snowpack data offers an early look at which regions are in good shape and which need more help from Mother Nature.
The snowpack builds gradually as layers from each storm settle and compact. When storms are frequent and temperatures stay cold, the snowpack deepens and strengthens. But if the weather turns warm or dry, it may fall short of expectations.
Snowpack is measured in two main ways: total snow depth and snow-water equivalent (SWE). SWE matters because it quantifies the water stored in the snow, giving a clearer picture of how much runoff may be available in spring. For instance, 10 feet of dense snow can hold as much water as 20 feet of lighter snow.
Let’s look at current SWE across the U.S. to see how this early-season snowpack stacks up against the 30-year median.
Regional Snowpack Breakdown
The latest NRCS Westwide SNOTEL report, dated November 4, shows a mixed start to the 2026-27 season across the Western United States.
California & Southwest: Off to a strong start, with some Sierra Nevada basins reporting 200% to more than 1,000% of median snow water equivalent (SWE). Early-season percentages can be inflated because normal snowpack levels are still relatively low in November.
Northern Rockies: Wyoming and Montana are struggling, with many Wyoming basins below 50% of median SWE and much of Montana tracking below average.
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Pacific Northwest: A mixed bag across Washington and Oregon. Some basins are above average, while others are well below normal, with Oregon showing particularly sharp regional differences.
Colorado & Four Corners: Northern Colorado is lagging, with some basins below 50% of median SWE. Southern Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona are faring much better, with several areas between 146% and 341% of the median.
Check out SnowBrains Weather for snowpack maps by state along with free, resort-specific snow forecasts, powder alerts, live webcams, snowpack data, and real-time conditions reports from skiers and riders, all backed by official weather data and publicly tracked forecast accuracy.
While the early numbers offer a glimpse of what’s ahead, there is still plenty of time for the snowpack to change. A few strong storm cycles can make a big difference, particularly in areas currently running behind. Skiers and riders across the West will be hoping November and December deliver the colder temperatures and consistent snowfall needed to get the season back on track.
