The average monthly extent of snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere has declined 1.3% per decade, with the greatest losses in the spring and summer, over the last 40 years. In the last 50 years, the U.S. snow season has become 16 days shorter, with peak run off over a week earlier. Source: United Nations… Read More Northern hemisphere snow cover declining 1.3% per decade: UNEP
As temperatures in Washington State rise, winter precipitation will include more rain and less snow. Over 40% of the winter recreation in Washington over the last 10 years occurred at low elevation ski areas. Snoqualmie Summit, Mt. Baker, Mt. Spokane, amd 49 Degrees North are most likely to be affected by climate change. The Summit… Read More Low-lying Mt. Baker and Snoqualmie are experiencing accelerated warming
Average temperatures in Aspen increasing by 3° F, and the number of frost-free days per year increasing by 20 days (25-year trend). At current greenhouse gas emissions trends, the ski season is likely to continue starting later, ending earlier, and losing snow depth until snowpack finally disappears and ends skiing in Aspen and Park City… Read More Aspen has been warming 3° F over the past 25 years
In the Cascades, low-lying areas face the greatest threat because climate warming affects both the precipitation phase and ablation rates at temperatures close to the ice-water phase transition. About 9200km2 of area is at risk of turning from regular snow to regular rain Source: Nolin and Daly (2006). Mapping “At Risk” Snow in the Pacific… Read More Low-elevation Pacific Northwest snow is turning to rain
Concerned Skier 