An example method is provided in one example embodiment and may include monitoring a plurality of wireless backhaul links associated with a radio access network (RAN); receiving an indication of a change in operating conditions for a first wireless backhaul link of the plurality of wireless backhaul links; determining utilization of the first wireless backhaul link based on the indication of the change in operating conditions; assessing an available capacity of each of the plurality of wireless backhaul links; and adjusting cellular loading in the RAN based, at least in part, on the utilization of the first wireless backhaul link and the available capacity of each of the plurality of wireless backhaul links.