A historic lack of snow in the western United States is causing worry about potential water shortages and wildfires in the upcoming summer. Recent findings from a Canadian research study indicate that this situation may signify a lasting pattern that could jeopardize water resources for millions nationwide.
Current snow cover levels in the western U.S. are significantly below typical levels for this time of year, marking the lowest recorded amount since monitoring began in 2001 using NASA’s Terra satellite. Scientists suggest that the increasing frequency of this phenomenon may be attributed to a warming climate. Data from a study conducted by Concordia University researchers in Montreal revealed a decline in snowfall and water content in winter across Western Canada between 2000 and 2019.
While the areas experiencing substantial snow reductions represent only a small portion of the country, they impact the headwaters of major rivers in the Canadian Rockies. The study also noted minor decreases in other parts of southern Canada, although these were not individually deemed statistically significant.
According to Ali Nazemi, co-author of the study and associate professor of engineering at Concordia, the cumulative effect of these declines affects 14 out of 25 major drainage basins in Canada. The diminishing snow levels have far-reaching implications, impacting municipal water systems, agriculture, lake water levels, shipping, and the wildfire risk in Canadian forests.
Snow plays a crucial role in water storage and release, acting as a natural reservoir that gradually supplies water during the dry summer months. However, the current scarcity of snow is disrupting the ski season at major resorts in the region. Several ski slopes in British Columbia have had to halt operations due to insufficient snowfall and warmer weather conditions. Vail Resorts reported one of the poorest early season snowfalls at its U.S. and Canadian locations, including Whistler, B.C.
In Vancouver, the absence of snow this winter marks the first time in 43 years, reflecting the impact of changing weather patterns. Experts suggest that the deficiency of snow is not due to reduced precipitation but rather a shift from snow to rain, termed a “wet snow drought.”
The decline in snow coverage poses significant challenges, affecting various sectors such as agriculture, water systems, and ecosystems that rely on the gradual release of snowmelt. The reduction in snowpack may lead to water stress in forests earlier than usual, heightening the risk of wildfires in North American forests.
Nazemi’s team has developed a new method to measure snow water availability, which indicates a decrease in water content within the snowpack. This decline has been particularly noticeable in watersheds like the Okanagan in B.C., the Assiniboine-Red River basin in Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan River basin, potentially impacting water flows in the Fraser River and the St. Lawrence River.
Past instances of declining snow cover have demonstrated adverse effects on water security, prompting concerns about future vulnerabilities. The potential intensification of water shortages requires further investigation to understand the rate and severity of these impacts. Experts emphasize the importance of studying these trends to develop strategies for adapting to changing water availability patterns.