Snowpack and climate change in the Pacific Northwest: What some studies show
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Snowpack and Climate Change
By Michael Fagin, Meteorologist
Several subscribers have asked what the impact of climate change and the warming climate has on our snowpack. One study projects a declining snowpack with more winter precipitation falling as rain vs. snow. Another study analyzes data that shows fall snowpack is declining. The other study listed analyzes data that shows there is no trend in the snowpack.
These studies look at different parts of the snow season, which helps explain why their findings don’t always line up.
The following articles provide additional analysis and data on Northwest snowpack trends.
UW Climate Impacts Group
Climate Change Impacts in Washington State (Snover et al., 2013)
• Washington is projected to experience decreasing snowpack.
• Winter precipitation is projected to shift toward more rain and less snow.
• April 1 snowpack is projected to decline −56 to −70% by the 2080s.
• Peak streamflow is projected to occur earlier in the year.
• Climate change is projected to result in more frequent summer water shortages in some basins.
The Convergence Zone
Is the Slow Start to Snowpack Season in Washington State Part of a Declining Snowfall Trend?
• Early season snowpack has declined recently.
• Season total snowfall remains essentially unchanged.
• Melt-out dates remain essentially unchanged.
• The analysis focuses on early season snowpack.
• The article examines whether recent slow starts are part of a declining snowfall trend.
Cliff Mass Weather Blog
There Is No Trend in Northwest Snowpack for the Past 40 Years
• There has been little trend in Northwest snowpack over the past 40 years.
• This is true even though the globe is slowly warming.
• The analysis uses observed snowpack measurements.
• Snowpack variability is strongly influenced by natural variability.
Thanks for reading.
Andrea
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