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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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| Media Coverage

Washington state on track for warmest December on record — again

This month is set to be the warmest Washington December on record, breaking a record that was just set in 2023. Flooding did boost reservoir storage, but it would have been preferable to receive that precipitation more slowly and as snow instead of rain. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Northwest Enters Winter After Warmest Fall on Record

Our region’s snowpack, which melts to constitute the water supply when the season turns dry and hot, is simply not piling up. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Even with climate change, a flood-resilient future is possible

As Washington state’s Climatologist Guillaume Mauger reminds us, today’s floods are a window into our future. By strengthening our lines of defense, we can become more resilient and continue to thrive in the great Northwest. 

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| Media Coverage

‘Christmastown’ Faces Climate Reality After Brutal Northwest Storms

Two weeks of “atmospheric river” deluges took a toll on business in Leavenworth, Wash., and beyond, reminding the region that a warming planet has brought new uncertainty. As the planet warms, state climatologists expect temperatures will continue to rise and the snowpack will shrink in the Cascades. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.  

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