 The western United States experienced unprecedentedly fast melting of snow in April 2021 due to a combination of strong upper atmospheric ridges, near-surface conditions conducive to rapid snow loss, and two heat waves. These conditions were exacerbated by the presence of a La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean and in eastward propagating an intensifying Madangilean oscillation. As a result, many areas experienced severe snow drought conditions, with some locations experiencing record low snow levels. This article was offered by Daniel James Cavoy and Benjamin J. Hatchett.