US EditionWorsening Snow Drought in the West Will Have Cascading Impacts, Experts Say
Snowpack in the western US has dropped nearly 20% since 1955, raising concerns over summer water shortages and increased wildfire risk, officials say.
- With sharply reduced mountain snowpack, experts warn this winter could threaten water supplies and heighten wildfire risk across the Colorado River Basin.
- Meteorological winter began with record warmth across much of the West, causing precipitation to fall as rain and a dry spell in January left snow cover on January 4 the lowest since 2001.
- Federal water managers report total storage in the Colorado River system is roughly 37% of capacity, with Lake Powell about 26% full and Lake Mead about 34% full.
- The snowsport industry is already hurting, with Vail Resorts reporting skier visits down about 20% through Jan. 4, threatening the $20 billion annual economic contribution to local mountain resort communities.
- Research shows snowpack in the western U.S. declined nearly 20% from 1955 to 2020, and National Weather Service hydrologist Aldis Strautins said mid-February and early March will clarify drought and fire risks.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Worsening snow drought in the West will have cascading impacts, experts say - The Pulse of NH
Boats descend lower into a desert canyon at Antelope Point Marina, requiring construction of alternative boat ramps, as Lake Powell continues to shrink on September 3, 2022, near Page, Arizona. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)(NEW YORK) -- It has be...
Worsening snow drought in the West will have cascading impacts, experts say - Regional Media News
(NEW YORK) - It has been a tale of two winters on the opposing U.S. coasts this season. While the East has been slammed with frigid temperatures and punishing winter storms, the West is experiencing a snow drought amid warmer-than-normal temperatures. Prolonged drought across much of the West has been worsened this winter by below‑average snowfall and persistent warmth, fueling a widespread and intensifying snow drought. With sharply reduced mou…
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