Utah's Current Snow Drought Threatens More Than Just Region's Ski Season

PARK CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 09: People walk past a Banksy piece as light snow falls as a significant weather pattern shift begins to deliver snow to Utah's mountains in the region on February 9, 2026 in Park City, Utah. A snow drought and warmer weather across Utah and much of the Western United States resulted in Utah receiving only around one-third of its normal early February snowpack. Ski resorts at higher elevations have received sufficient snowfall but those at lower elevations in the region have thus far been forced to make artificial snow all season. The state relies on mountain snowpack for around 95% of its water supply. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)