The outdoor industry is responsible for 2.2% of national GDP; however, projected increases in the frequency and severity of drought threatens the viability of water-based recreation businesses. NIDIS, in partnership with the University of Colorado's Master of the Environment Graduate Program, hosted a seminar on November 19 to explore the effects of uncertain snowpack levels, streamflows, and warming temperatures on outdoor recreation businesses with a focus on snow- and water-based activities (skiing, fishing, rafting, etc.).

As of November 15, 2018, the snow drought page is live for the 2018–2019 winter season. Regular updates will be posted every month in November and December, and every two weeks through spring and early summer. The snow drought page features an overview of current conditions across the country as well as a number of snow drought monitoring tools that can help decision makers and resource managers monitor, plan for, and cope with snow drought and its impacts.

In response to the need for snow drought resources, the NIDIS Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) coordinators for California-Nevada, the Pacific Northwest, and Intermountain West teamed up with the Climatologist from the Desert Research Institute and the Western Regional Climate Center to launch a new snow drought page on drought.gov that features information, resources, and tools for snow drought.