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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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| Media Coverage

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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| Media Coverage

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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| Media Coverage

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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| 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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