El Niño could boost Lake Mead, Lake Powell and the Sierra snowpack

Name: El Niño forecast: Sierra snowpack, Lake Mead could rebound
Uploaded: 2026-10-01T12:00:34.000Z
Duration: 27 s
Channel: The Weather Channel
Description: El Niño is likely to bring above-average rain and snow to the Sierra Nevada, Rockies and Southwest this winter, helping replenish drought-stricken reservoirs.

ByJonathan BellesandDaniel Connell•

October 1, 2026

Updated: October 1, 2026, 5:44 am EDTPublished: October 1, 2026, 5:42 am EDT

El Niño is likely to bring above-average rain and snow to the Sierra Nevada, Rockies and Southwest this winter, helping replenish drought-stricken reservoirs. A deeper Sierra snowpack could supply California's drinking water long after the snow melts. Lake Mead and Lake Powell could surge too, boosting water and power for cities like Las Vegas.