‘On a whole other level’: rapid snow melt-off in American west stuns scientists
www.theguardian.com
Experts say brutal March heat has left critical snowpack at record-low levels – and key basins in uncharted territory

“Climate change is going to result in a lot of these extreme events worsening,” said Dr Abby Frazier, a climatologist and assistant professor at Clark University, who added that compound events, where hazards overlap or occur in quick succession, are on the rise. The heat and the drought this year, served as a one-two punch, and will work together to produce greater dangers from fire.

  • kersploosh@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    5 days ago

    The article focuses on the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. The situation is marginally better but still awful in the northwest. As of today in Washington state:

    • Snowpack statewide is at 54% of normal, down 10% from last week. (“Normal” being the 30-year average for the calendar date)
    • 115% statewide water year to date precipitation, up 2% from last week.

    So slightly above-average precipitation this winter, but it was largely rain instead of snow. And the snow we do have is melting fast. The reservoirs are full, but their total volume is nothing in comparison to the snowpack.

    Everyone I talk to is expecting a bad wildfire year and widespread water use restrictions.

  • notwhoyouthink@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    5 days ago

    It’s also supposed to be warmer and drier this spring/summer, which will also compound drought conditions.

  • WhyIHateTheInternet@lemmy.world
    0·
    5 days ago

    Lol I live in the Sierra Nevada foothills in California. Yesterday we had a huge rainstorm and it was flooding shops in our downtown and the people were trying to sweep the water away the whole time because it was all basically mud. Even the water running down the streets was just brown, more so than I’ve ever seen. We haven’t had much rain this season and this is the height of rainy season. Been so dry here and with what little snow we had melting away already it’s going to be a fucked up spring/summer here for sure.