Wyoming Mountain Snowpack Is Not As Bad As You Think

The winter of 2025/2026 so far has been a dry one for Wyoming and the surrounding states. But not as dry as you might think.

A high-pressure system that is usually parked more to the north and west of Alaska is hovering more east this year and is bending the jet stream around most western states. Everywhere else is having a brutal winter, but it's been missing us.

Still, all is not as bad as you might think.

As of late January 2026, Wyoming's statewide mountain snowpack was approximately 93% of the median, representing a relatively strong, above-average start compared to other Western states, with notable strength in northern basins.

While much of the West experienced record-low snowpack due to warm temperatures, Wyoming’s northern regions held significant snow, benefitting local resorts.

Looking at the big picture, snow cover across the West is at a record low for this time of year. In parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming, snowpacks are holding less than half the water they typically would. (Wyoming Public Media).

THERE IS STILL HOPE! Wyoming gets most of its snow later in the winter season. That means we might catch a break and catch up by mid to late spring.

Key 2026 Wyoming Snowpack Data (as of late Jan):

Statewide: The SNOTEL basin index was 93% of the median as of Jan 19, 2026, higher than the 88% seen on the same date in 2025.

Northern Basins: Some northern basins in Wyoming reported up to 119% of the median, providing good, early-season snow conditions.

Southern/Western Basins: The Upper Green River basin showed strong early numbers (116% of median as of Jan 19, 2026).

Regional Contrast: While southern Wyoming (e.g., Medicine Bow) had variable, moderate totals (e.g., 53 inches at 10,500 ft by early Jan), the overall state fared much better than the severe snow drought affecting the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.

Resorts: By mid-January 2026, Jackson Hole reported strong base depths (e.g., 86 inches).