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A relentless snow drought, coupled with unprecedented warmth, is sweeping across the American West, severely jeopardising future water resources, heightening wildfire risks, and undermining winter tourism. Scientists are reporting alarming declines in both snow cover and snow depth, reaching levels not seen in decades. With the current snow cover at approximately one-third of the historical average, the implications for agriculture, hydropower, and local ecosystems are dire.
Alarming Snow Cover Declines
According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, normal snow cover during this period should encompass roughly 1.2 million square kilometres (460,000 square miles), an expanse comparable to California, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. However, this year, only about 401,448 square kilometres (155,000 square miles) of snow is present. Mark Serreze, director of the Centre, remarked, “I have not seen a winter like this before. This pattern that we’re in is so darned persistent.”
In Oregon, the situation is particularly dire, with snowpack levels plunging to 30 per cent below previous record lows, as highlighted by Jason Gerlich, a coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While the eastern U.S. is grappling with a bitter cold snap, areas like West Jordan, Utah, are experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, with residents voicing concerns about the lack of snow and its impact on winter sports.
Effects on Water Supply and Wildfire Risks
The current snow drought has implications that extend far beyond winter tourism. States such as Oregon, Colorado, and Utah are reporting their lowest snowpack levels since the early 1980s, a concerning trend that poses significant risks to water security. A robust snowpack is crucial, as it melts gradually to feed rivers and reservoirs, providing vital resources for agriculture, urban areas, and energy production later in the year.
Daniel Swain of the University of California’s Water Resources Institute expressed concern over the potential for an early wildfire season. “This is a pretty big problem for the Colorado basin,” he stated, emphasising that diminished snowpack or rapid melt can lead to insufficient river replenishment during warmer months.
Climate Change Connections
The extraordinary warmth that has contributed to the snow drought is intricately linked to climate change, driven by the combustion of fossil fuels. Since December 1, over 8,500 daily high-temperature records have been shattered in the West, according to NOAA data. Precipitation that would typically fall as snow is instead manifesting as rain, which evaporates quickly, exacerbating the region’s water shortages.
Russ Schumacher, an atmospheric science professor at Colorado State University, noted that the warmth of December limited snowfall to only the highest elevations. This pattern continued into January, leading to an extended dry spell across the region. “It was so warm that snow was only falling at the highest parts of the mountains,” he explained.
A Glimmer of Hope?
While meteorologists predict a shift towards wetter and cooler weather in the coming days, it is uncertain whether this will significantly alleviate the snow drought. The forecast does include potential snowfall, but experts remain sceptical about the extent to which these changes can rectify the ongoing deficits. “I don’t think there’s any way we’re going to go back up to average,” Schumacher commented, “but at least we can chip away at those deficits a little bit if it does get more active.”
Why it Matters
The current snow drought in the American West is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. With water supplies dwindling and ecosystems at risk, the persistent warmth and lack of snowfall signal troubling trends that could reshape the region’s environment and economy for years to come. As communities grapple with these challenges, the need for sustainable practices and adaptive strategies has never been more crucial. The implications extend beyond the immediate crisis, affecting long-term water security, agricultural viability, and the health of natural ecosystems.
