Lack Of Snow Across The U.S. Is Concerning, Rippey Says

Snow accumulation has been fairly light across not only the west, but much of the country.

"In the western area, still very early in the season but snow cover is so important to water supply which leads  to irrigation water the following spring and summer," said USDA Meteorologist, Brad Rippey.

He noted there has not been much precipitation this year across California, the Great Basin, and the Southwest.

"The of course also, many of the winter wheat production areas depend on snow from time to time to supply moisture and keep the top soils moist as we head through the cold season."

He points out a lack of moisture is bad, even when crops are not in the soil, because it can lead to wind erosion and other quality issues.

"We have seen some snow from time to time across the great plains and the mid-western winter wheat production areas as well as the northwest but we like to see that snow stick around and percolate in to the soil as it melts." 

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