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| Media Coverage

The Winter that Never Was

January brought warmer than normal temperatures and near record-breaking dry spells. Both factors contributed to worsening snowpack across the state. The Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

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| Media Coverage

Q&A: UW researcher discusses how plants know when it’s time to bloom in the spring

This winter has been the warmest on record, which may lead to anomalous bloom times this Spring. Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

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| Media Coverage

Washington snowpack near historic lows; Yakima Basin among hardest hit

Reservoirs alone do not hold enough water to supply the entire basin, and snowpack remains a crucial resource. Snowpack near only 51% of normal spells trouble for the basin. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

From December floods to February sunshine: Washington’s winter whiplash

From December’s flooding to January’s warm temperatures and less-than-average precipitation, this year’s winter has been particularly volatile. These observations offer a snapshot of northwest winters to come. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Washington seeks federal disaster aid for December flooding damage

The December 2025 flooding was triggered by intense atmospheric rivers. Warm conditions meant much of this precipitation fell as rain rather than snow, overwhelming river basins across Western Washington. The Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

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| Media Coverage

Oregon faces record low snowpack; agriculture & recreation impacts, more vulnerable to wildfires

Oregon is facing record low snowpack raising drought concerns. Snowpack in Washington is also well below normal due to a very warm winter. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

La Nina releasing its less-than-icy grip over Northwest

The National Weather Service predicts a La Nina will exit soon, uncharacteristically leaving behind a puny snowpack in Oregon and Washington. Below-average temperatures triggered the La Nina, normally linked to colder and wetter winters in the Pacific Northwest. This winter, however, has been more typical of a strong El Nino, triggered by warm seas. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Snow is a no-show for much of the state

The snowpack at Harts Pass is healthy, but that’s the exception for Washington’s normally snowy mountains. Despite record-breaking rainstorms in December, this winter has been warmer and drier than usual, leaving most of the state with little to no snow. The overall state snowpack as of early February was lower than in 95% of all years in the historical record. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

‘We’re in uncharted territory’: 5 dire warnings from scientists about what Oregon’s snow drought could mean for the state’s future

Drought often lengthens the potential period of wildfire in Washington, although it is too early to tell how bad the upcoming fire season may be. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

‘Historically bad’: Oregon snowpack sits at record low

Washington’s statewide snowpack sits at about 51% of normal, the third lowest since 1985. October through January marked the warmest start to a water year on record for the state. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

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