Hydropower Generation in the West to Recover Despite Snow Drought
• Hydropower generation in the Northwest and Rockies is expected to increase by 17% in 2026 but will remain below the 10-year average due to snow drought.
• California's hydropower generation is projected to be 6% less than the previous year, despite above-average reservoir levels and significantly below-normal snowpack conditions.
• Warmer temperatures have led to early snowmelt across the western United States, posing a challenge for water resource management and hydropower sustainability.
Modest hydropower recovery amid snow drought effects
The West is bracing for a modest recovery in hydropower generation in 2026, even as it grapples with the ongoing effects of snow drought. Regions like the Northwest and Rockies are projected to see a 17% increase in hydropower generation, reaching 125 billion kilowatt-hours. Despite this uptick, the output remains 4% below the decade-long average, a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by reduced snowpack. The Northwest River Forecast Center, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has played a crucial role in shaping these forecasts.
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