The Upper Colorado Basin is grappling with a significant snow drought, worsened by an unprecedented heatwave in March 2026. Data from NASA's Earth Observatory reveals that the basin experienced its warmest March on record, with temperatures soaring 13.7°F (7.6°C) above normal. This extreme heat has led to a dramatic decrease in snow water equivalent (SWE), marking the lowest March snow cover since MODIS records began in 2001. Despite sporadic snowstorms in February, the overall snow cover remained minimal, severely affecting water resources and heightening the risk of wildfires.