Tag

Snow Drought

All articles tagged with #snow drought

environment-energy16 days ago•12 min saved

Historic Snow Drought Tests the West's Water, Power and Fire Season

Winter 2026 brought an unprecedented snow drought across the Western U.S., with most basins well below the 1991–2020 median and only a few near or above average. The reduced snowpack tightens water supplies and river flows, signals possible cuts to water rights allocations, and threatens Lake Powell’s hydroelectric power capacity. Warmer temperatures and sparse snow raise concerns about a fiercer fire season, making this drought a high-stakes stress test for the West and a potential glimpse of a warmer climate future.

via The Conversation|

#climate-change #environment-energy #snow-drought

environment-energy16 days ago•12 min saved

Snow drought reveals West's hidden water and wildfire risks

The 2026 Western snow drought left most basins well below the 1991–2020 median snow water equivalent as unusually warm temperatures turned precipitation into rain, threatening spring runoff, water allocations, and hydroelectric power (notably Lake Powell). The drought also heightens wildfire risk and raises questions about subsurface water stores and future management across the Colorado, Columbia, and Missouri basins in a warming climate.

via The Conversation|

#climate-change #colorado-river-basin #environment-energy

environment20 days ago•7 min saved

West Faces Water Shortages and Wildfire Risk Amid Historic Snow Drought

A historic snow drought across the U.S. West is not only shrinking snowpack but threatening spring and summer water supplies for millions, risking shortages in reservoirs like Lake Powell and Mead and potentially extending wildfire season as warmer, drier conditions accelerate snowmelt; the situation is driven by climate-change–linked warming and could affect the Colorado River Basin and Western states into the year.

via CBS News|

#climate-change #colorado-river-basin #environment

weather1 month ago•16 min saved

Dry spell helped spark deadly Sierra Nevada avalanche trapping skiers

A weekslong snow drought in Northern California left an older, hardened snow layer vulnerable to a fresh, several-feet snowfall, creating unstable avalanche conditions that trapped skiers in the Sierra Nevada near Truckee in February 2026.

via Associated Press News|

#avalanche #california #sierra-nevada

environment2 months ago•1 min saved

Record-Breaking Snow Drought Threatens Western Water and Recreation

Across the U.S. West, an extreme snow drought driven by unusually warm temperatures has yielded record-low snow cover, risking water resources and winter recreation from Utah to Oregon as bare ground becomes common and artificial snow is used in some locations.

via The New York Times|

#climate-change #environment #snow-drought

travel2 months ago•16 min saved

Snow Drought, Strikes and Politics Rearrange Western U.S. Ski Season

A historic snow drought across the Western United States, paired with labor strikes at major resorts and restrictive international travel, has left the 2026 ski season among the worst in decades. Resorts report limited terrain and closures (e.g., Telluride), skier visits down sharply, lodging occupancy slipping, and political headwinds reducing international tourism, while the Northeast partly offsets the weakness. The drought also threatens water resources and foreshadows a volatile wildfire season, with little relief on the horizon.

via The New York Times|

#labor-strikes #ski-industry #snow-drought

environment3 months ago•4 min saved

Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought Threatening Water Supplies

The western US is experiencing a severe snow drought due to record-high temperatures and lack of snowfall, threatening water supplies, increasing wildfire risks, and impacting outdoor industries, with experts warning that ongoing climate shifts could worsen long-term drought conditions and affect future events like the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah.

via CNN|

#climate-change #drought #environment

environment3 months ago•4 min saved

Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought and Water Supply Concerns

The western US is experiencing a snow drought in 2026, worsened by atmospheric river storms that caused heavy rainfall and melting of snowpack, which is critical for regional water supplies. Warmer temperatures have led to more rain instead of snow, exacerbating water shortages and increasing risks of flooding and landslides. Scientists are working to improve predictions and understand storm impacts to better manage water resources amid climate change.

via The Conversation|

#atmospheric-rivers #climate-change #environment

environment3 months ago•5 min saved

Warm Winter Challenges Ouray Ice Park and Local Economy

Unseasonably warm winter weather has significantly impacted Colorado's outdoor recreation industry, including delayed openings of ice parks and ski resorts, low snowpack levels, and challenges in maintaining typical winter activities, with many resorts resorting to creative solutions amid uncertain weather patterns.

via Colorado Public Radio|

#climate-change #environment #ice-park

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Record-Breaking Warmth: The US Misses Out on Winter 2023-24"

The US experienced its warmest winter on record, leading to significant snow and ice deficits, worsening drought conditions in the Midwest, and a lack of cold air that shattered chances for prolonged, expansive ice coverage across the Great Lakes. The unusual warmth has had a serious impact on small businesses that rely on snow and winter tourism, prompting governors to encourage seeking federal assistance. This record warmth is another clear signal of the impact of human-caused planet-warming emissions on global temperatures.

via CNN|

#climate-change #environment #great-lakes

weather2 years ago•3 min saved

"Unprecedented January Heatwave Sweeps Across Minnesota"

Unusually warm temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend, with highs reaching the upper 40s and even 50s in some areas, resembling March weather. The snow drought persists, with Minnesota and Wisconsin experiencing well-below-average snowfall. Additionally, areas of dense fog are expected to lift, and caution is advised for ice safety.

via MPR News|

#fog #ice-safety #precipitation

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

California's Snowpack Continues to Lag Below Average Despite Modest Improvement

California is facing a "snow drought" in the Sierra Nevada due to warmer storms and El Niño conditions, leading to more rain and less snow. Despite forecasts of heavy rain and possible flooding, state water managers warn that the snowpack remains below average. Scientists attribute the trend to rising temperatures driven by climate change, with recent storms favoring rain over snow. While upcoming atmospheric rivers are expected to bring more snow, it may not be enough to fully replenish the snowpack, potentially leading to a below-average snowpack in a wet year. State officials urge residents to prepare for possible flooding and uncertain water conditions.

via Los Angeles Times|

#atmospheric-rivers #california #climate-change

weather2 years ago•3 min saved

"Record Snowfall and Arctic Cold Hit New York City"

An Arctic blast has brought snow, freezing rain, and record-breaking cold to much of the United States, ending a nearly two-year "snow drought" in New York City and putting the West into a deep freeze. Record-breaking cold temperatures are expected across the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Midwest, with significant snowfall in various regions. The extreme weather has resulted in deaths, power outages, and flight disruptions, prompting calls for electricity conservation in Texas.

via Reuters.com|

#arctic-blast #new-york-city #record-cold