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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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| Media Coverage

Pacific Northwest in historic snow drought

October through January marked the warmest first four months of the water year ever recorded in Washington, averaging more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Oregon snowpack at record low as Northwest faces deepening snow drought

Oregon’s snowpack has fallen to its lowest level on record for this time of year, part of a broader snow drought gripping the Pacific Northwest and raising concerns about water supplies, wildfire risk and impacts to farms and fisheries. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

WA braces for another drought year as snowpack lags

Right now, Washington’s snowpack sits at the third-lowest level in the last 40 years. Only 2005 and 2015 were worse by this time of year and both years saw massive and devastating droughts. Time remains for winter weather to dump inches of snow on the region’s mountains, but the current trends aren’t bringing much optimism for the weeks ahead. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Warm winter liquidates nearly half of Washington state snowpack

The critical resource for salmon, irrigation, hydropower, and soil moisture—key to avoiding extreme wildfires— has taken a hit following the warmest December in more than a century of record keeping. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

After historic flooding, Washington residents rebuild and reckon with the future

This 3-minute newscast follows up on the December 2025 Washington floods with what recovery looks like, and how Washingtonians are assessing future flood risk. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is interviewed.  

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| Media Coverage

The West’s snowpack is in trouble this winter

Unusually low snowpack this winter is raising serious drought and water supply concerns across the western U.S. The core problem isn’t a lack of precipitation — it’s warmth. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

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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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