Tag: Cascades

Cryosphere decline continues, Northern Hemisphere snow and glacier loss accelerates: IPCC

All components of the cryosphere have been in decline over the past few decades (see figure 4.25), with North­ern Hemisphere spring snow cover continuing to decrease in extent, and glaciers losing mass and contributing to sea level rise throughout the 20th century. The strong and significant changes reported to the cryosphere in IPCC’s last major… Read More Cryosphere decline continues, Northern Hemisphere snow and glacier loss accelerates: IPCC

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$12B US winter tourism industry lost $1.07 billion to warming in 1999-2010

The U.S. winter tourism industry is worth $12.2 billion (including $3.1 billion in taxes) from snowmobiling, snowboarding, ice fishing, snowshoeing and skiing, and related activities with restaurants, lodging, gas stations, grocery stores, and bars. The biggest source of value is resort operations ($2.9 billion, 75,900 jobs) followed by dining ($942 million, 31,600 jobs). Figure 8… Read More $12B US winter tourism industry lost $1.07 billion to warming in 1999-2010

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Western US snowpack is especially vulnerable to climate warming

In the western U.S., Decreases in snowpack, less snowfall, earlier snow melt, more winter rain events, increased peak winter flows, and reduced summer flows have been documented. Western temperatures have increased more at high elevations than at lower ones, meaning that the West’s warming has been concentrated where snow falls and is naturally stored in… Read More Western US snowpack is especially vulnerable to climate warming

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Long term declines in mountain snowpack continue: IPCC

Globally, long term declines in mountain snowpack have been observed and are further projected over the past three decades, particularly at lower, warmer elevations.  Increasing air temperature in mountainous regions will raise snow lines and major reductions in snow cover are projected for mid-latitudes in general by the end of this century with lower, warmer… Read More Long term declines in mountain snowpack continue: IPCC

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Northern hemisphere snow cover declining 1.3% per decade: UNEP

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

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Low-lying Mt. Baker and Snoqualmie are experiencing accelerated warming

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

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Low-elevation Pacific Northwest snow is turning to rain

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

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