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377 posts in Media Coverage

Cascade ski areas get 30 inches of new snow after rough winter

Cascade resorts picked up about 3 feet of snow this week, but Washington’s snowpack remains in the lowest 10% of historical snowpack years. Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is mentioned. 

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Low snowpack raises red flags despite full Yakima Basin reservoirs

So far, the 2026 water year is the warmest on record. October brought above-normal temperatures and precipitation, followed by the warmest December on record. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned. 

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UW researchers discuss how ‘false spring’ could impact cherry blossom blooms

Our mild winter this year is part of a long term trend of warming winter temperatures. These milder winter temperatures are leading to earlier spring buds and blooms for most plant species. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.  

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Major snow dump buoys Northwest skiers, can’t undo snow drought

The early March snowfall dump is not enough to pull Washington state out of its snow drought. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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Drought continues in Whatcom County despite heavy rain, floods in December

Snowpack is important because the Nooksack River and others in Western Washington are fed by gradual snowmelt during the drier spring and summer months — providing water for agriculture, salmon and recreation. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned. 

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Why thinning a forest could get you more drinking water

Scientists have shown how actively managing forests to prevent wildfires can also boost the snowpack, a critical source of hydration in the American west. Climate Impacts Group Director Susan Dickerson-Lange is quoted.  

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Washington water supply update

Unfortunately, there wasn’t nearly enough snow. It would take a record-breaking amount of snow between now and April to get back to “normal” peak snowpack. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned. 

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Drought emergency remains in effect for Whatcom County amid warm winter

The North Puget Sound snow water region, which covers most of Whatcom County, currently sits at 76%. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned. 

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Washington snow boosts slopes, not snowpack

Record-setting snowfall next month could push totals back to normal, but that’s very unlikely. Multiple large storms would be needed to make up very large snowpack deficits. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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Washington weather explained: The 10 most extreme microclimates in WA

Washington is a state with a wide variety of climate zones and localized ‘microclimates.’ This engaging piece notes the most notable microclimates across WA and what factors create these unique climate features in our state. Emeritus State Climatologist Nick Bond and Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise are featured.   

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