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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

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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| Media Coverage

Western Washington faces a long recovery after record-breaking flooding

A warmer atmosphere can hold more water, while the warming Pacific Ocean provides more moisture. This means that the duration and strength of these atmospheric river events are increasing. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

La Niña’s historic fury mapped and measured

The Pacific Northwest has a rainy reputation. But not like this. An onslaught of destructive weather in December has broken records, flooded rivers, forced evacuations, caused widespread power outages and dazzled meteorologists. The prolonged nature of the event and high snow levels were significant contributing factors for the flooding. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Harassment at The Station, Flood Info From a Climate Expert, and Cozy Weekend Recs

The hosts talk with our state climatologist to understand what we know about the link between recent atmospheric rivers and climate change. Flooding on the Skagit River was around a 1 in 25-year event, and climate change is likely to continue to lead to a higher ratio of rain to snow during precipitation events. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger’s segment begins at timestamp 00:14:12.  

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| Media Coverage

Rains help fill reservoirs, but warmer storms have put Oregon in a snowpack deficit

Following a three-year drought cycle, this August to November saw record warm temperatures for the region. Recent heavy rains have benefitted reservoir levels, especially in Washington, but a series of warm storms have led to a slow start to the snow season across Oregon and Washington. Precipitation deficits in central and southern Oregon have further limited snowpack growth. Engagement Climatologist with the Washington State Climate Office Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

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