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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

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.  

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| Media Coverage

Tribes see increasing urgency to confront flooding threat

Impactful flooding in Alaska and Washington has tribal officials assessing their options. Major flooding — what used to be a once-in-a-lifetime event — threatens residents’ lives, infrastructure, and the natural viability of the rivers that sustains lifeways for local tribes. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is interviewed around timestamp 39:35.

  

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| Media Coverage

Much of the West is having its warmest winter on record — and it’s fueling a snow drought

The first half of winter was the warmest on record for an extraordinary swath of the West. While snowpack doesn’t typically peak until April, the slow start and uncertain forecast for the next three months is beginning to raise alarm from scientists. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Oregon, Washington, California set December heat records

A La Nina formed in the fall and that normally leads to below-average temperatures in the Northwest, but warm seas in the North Pacific and off the West Coast and background warming from climate change likely counteracted whatever force La Nina had. Washington Emeritus State Climatologist Nick Bond is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

For These Tribal Nations, Water Is a Through Line. And Now, a Threat.

For the tribal nations of the Pacific Northwest, water has been a through line, bringing spirituality and sustenance that have sustained communities for generations. Now, as climate change drives rising sea levels and increasingly brings devastating floodwaters to native lands, that same water is forcing coastal villages located in Washington State to adapt to protect their heritage. Director of the NWCASC Meade Krosby is quoted.  

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