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| April 2026, Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center

“Finding Tomorrow’s Climate in Today’s Landscapes”: New Study and Tools Available to Support Land Management Decisions Around Vegetation Change

A new, NW CASC-supported study led by researchers at the University of Montana and partners in the U.S. Forest Service, Conservation Science Partners, and Vibrant Planet, uses climate-analog modeling to explore the future of vegetation change in the western U.S. This study found that about one third of the western U.S. is highly vulnerable to ecological transformation by the middle of the 21st century, and that more than any other vegetation groups, subalpine forest and alpine ecosystems are most at risk of declining by mid-21st century. 

Learn more from NW CASC
| Media Coverage

Study: Pacific Northwest needs to prepare for extreme heat events

A new study published by the Northwest Adaptation Science Center synthesizes management responses to the 2021 extreme heat event. Climate Impacts Group Research Scientist Eva Colberg is quoted. 

  

Read here.
| Media Coverage

After a glimpse of hope, WA’s snowpack dips back into the red

Snowpack declined during an early season snowmelt event across Washington, reducing snowpack back near record-low levels. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned. 

Read here.
| Media Coverage

There’s an El Niño watch. Here’s how it could affect Western Washington weather

An El Niño watch for the fall was issued in early March, raising concerns about the warm and dry pattern exacerbating current drought conditions, which have been amplified by this past winter’s low snowpack. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Read here.
| Media Coverage

UW and DRCC release ‘Living With Water’ report

In January 2026, the Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC) and the UW Center for Disaster Resilient Communities (CDRC) released a report 18 months in the making regarding nature-based strategies to address flooding in Duwamish River communities. The project, entitled “Living With Water,” used community-based research strategies to identify nature-based solutions to flooding that align with community needs. The Climate Impacts Group was a partner on this project.

Read more on The Daily
| 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. 

Read here.
| Media Coverage

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. 

Read here.
| Media Coverage

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.  

Read here.
| Media Coverage

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.  

Read here.
| Media Coverage

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. 

Read here.
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