Snowpack

Mountain West states rely heavily on mountain snow to slowly melt and replenish rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater through spring and summer.

Bizarre winter weather conditions could disrupt water supply and seasonal cues for plant growth.

Each snowflake individually seems insignificant, but together, relentless by the millions, snow crystals pile up. They cover the ground, flock the trees, and settle into the gaps of my jacket. Their strength is in their numbers and their ability to bond with each other.

New research shows that mountain regions around the world are warming faster than the lowlands below them. Scientists say that could have big consequences for the Mountain West, where communities rely on snow and ice for their water supply.

The USU Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air recently released their 2024 report to the Utah governor and legislature.

In a presentation to the Legislative Water Development Commission on Tuesday, Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager said our snowpack remains strong even with hotter temperatures forecast.

Colorado's Rocky Mountains have reached peak snowpack, but climate change is changing the way snow turns to water. States around the region are debating new rules for the river that center around new water deficits.

Snowpack near Logan hit a peak of 27 inches the first week of April, due to warm spring temperatures, almost half has already melted.

Researchers have been measuring the snow water equivalent at the Tony Grove Ranger Station Snow Course for 100 years. That data helps them predict Utah's water supply.

In other news, Utah's snowpack sets an "optimistic tone" for water conditions. And, raising the causeway berm at Great Salt Lake improves salinity levels.