Climate Impacts Group

New research to measure WA’s climate resilience

Third straight year of snowpack drought raises water supply, wildfire concerns

While the statewide snowpack sits above normal, a third straight year of snowpack drought hits the Central Cascades, with the Northern stretches of the Washington Mountain range to not be far behind. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger was quoted and snowpack research from the Climate Impacts Group was mentioned.  

Port Gardner Storage Facility will allow Everett to meet state outflow requirements

The facility will temporarily store combined sewer and wastewater during storm events, protecting the bay from untreated releases. A study by the UW Climate Impacts Group is mentioned.  

Yakima Drought Continues as Low Reservoirs Threaten Agriculture

Snowpack is a crucial component of Washington’s water system, particularly in Yakima, where it acts as a natural reservoir, storing moisture during the wet season to be used in drier months. Last year’s low snowpack led to a drought emergency, and the state is still facing drought conditions. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.

Statewide drought to projected to continue

The Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are expressing concerns for the 2025 agricultural year after an Autumn with little rainfall and a Winter with little snow pack. Temperature and precipitation findings by the Washington State Climate Office are mentioned. 

Trump’s DEI Purge Comes at a Cost to Indigenous Communities

President Donald Trump’s purge of diversity initiatives has affected both federal agencies and the institutions they fund, including those that work with Indigenous communities. NW CASC University Director and CIG Senior Scientist Meade Krosby is quoted.

WA’s sunny days spell trouble for snowpack

This January is on track to be one of the five driest on record in Seattle. Snowpack lags across much of Washington and the statewide drought emergency persists, foreshadowing a potentially hazardous summer. Federal reservoirs sit at a fraction of their normal capacity. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Snowboarders, skiers express concern over dwindling snowpack amid dry January

The sunny weather in January was a welcome sight for many in western Washington, but the unusually dry January is impacting the mountain snowpack, an important source of water. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is mentioned.

Why should WA care about moving air? The answer is blowing in the wind

Everything you want to know about the science of wind. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is quoted. 

WA wind touches everything, even at the bottom of the ocean

Everything you want to know about wind in Washington. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is referenced.