"Mountain snowpack is the West's largest reservoir, providing water for 100 million people and diverse ecosystems. The amount of water stored in the snowpack historically peaks around April 1."
"A stubborn high-pressure ridge contributed to the snow drought by shunting winter storms north to Canada in January. But the main culprit was exceptional heat from climate change."
"Winter in Washington's Cascade Range started and ended in 'wet' snow drought - with precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, causing catastrophic flooding."
In mid-January, a snowshoe hike near Molas Pass highlighted the severe snow drought affecting the Western U.S. Mountain snowpack, crucial for water supply, reached its lowest levels in 45 years. A high-pressure ridge diverted winter storms, while climate change-induced heat exacerbated the situation. The drought's effects varied regionally, with Washington's Cascades experiencing both heavy rain and catastrophic flooding, while other areas faced record dryness. The overall impact of this winter's conditions underscores the critical relationship between climate change and water resources.
Read at High Country News
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