Climate Impacts Group

Letter from the Director – February 2026

Dear friend,

As we watch this winter’s weather unfold and keep a close eye on our very low snowpack conditions, we have also begun planning for summer – including preparing to welcome a new cohort of student interns through the EarthLab internship program! UW undergraduate students from all departments and campuses are eligible to apply for these paid positions, several of which are hosted within the Climate Impacts Group to support a wide range of our efforts to advance climate change adaptation. Please encourage students you know to consider applying!

On a personal note, I’m approaching my one-year anniversary at the UW Climate Impacts Group! 

WA braces for another drought year as snowpack lags

Right now, Washington’s snowpack sits at the third-lowest level in the last 40 years. Only 2005 and 2015 were worse by this time of year and both years saw massive and devastating droughts. Time remains for winter weather to dump inches of snow on the region’s mountains, but the current trends aren’t bringing much optimism for the weeks ahead. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Warm winter liquidates nearly half of Washington state snowpack

The critical resource for salmon, irrigation, hydropower, and soil moisture—key to avoiding extreme wildfires— has taken a hit following the warmest December in more than a century of record keeping. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

After historic flooding, Washington residents rebuild and reckon with the future

This 3-minute newscast follows up on the December 2025 Washington floods with what recovery looks like, and how Washingtonians are assessing future flood risk. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is interviewed.  

The West’s snowpack is in trouble this winter

Unusually low snowpack this winter is raising serious drought and water supply concerns across the western U.S. The core problem isn’t a lack of precipitation — it’s warmth. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

Counting Every Drop: CoCoRaHS Observer Stories

Low snowpack could have long-term impacts, say state climatologists

Statewide snowpack, including in the Spokane basin, is sitting around half of what it should be at this point in the winter. Snowpack acts like a bank account storing water for use during our dry summers. There is still time for improvement, but we will need a wet and cold end to the winter to make up for these deficits. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

Long-stalled fish project on Green River could begin this summer

The Climate Impacts Group is finishing up a study on future floods on the Green River. The modeling clearly shows more and bigger floods coming into Howard Hanson dam in the future. It appears the dam can help, but downstream flows will likely reach higher levels more often, potentially putting more stress on levees. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

NW CASC is Now Accepting Applications for its 2026-27 Research Fellowship Program

An Olympic orientation: UW Climate Impacts Group and Washington Sea Grant pilot a learning institute for emerging environmental professionals

Many job orientations start in a lobby or a conference room. This one began at the scars left by a dam and wound its way to the mouth of a great river.

Sixteen emerging environmental professionals – of different backgrounds, but together undertaking a new chapter in their careers – gathered for lunch on the pebbly shore, waves lapping near where the Elwha empties itself into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the Olympic Peninsula. Their tour of the river was being led by Vanessa Castle of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Throughout the day, Castle had spoken to the group about the history of the Elwha.