Snow
Articles tagged with Snow
Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic
Warmer winters and snow drought may threaten western U.S. water by speeding flows, study finds
A new study finds that warmer winters will lead to faster water transit times in the western United States, negatively impacting summer water levels and quality. The research focuses on the Naches River basin, where snowpack declines have already resulted in earlier spring discharges.
New Hampshire ski industry concerned about climate change
A recent UNH study reveals that New Hampshire ski industry professionals are increasingly concerned about climate change, with 85% expressing alarm or concern. The industry generates $278.8 million annually and supports over 10,000 jobs, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and advocacy.
Wildfires accelerate winter snowmelt in Oregon's western Cascades, PSU study finds
A new study by PSU researchers found that wildfires can intensify midwinter rain-on-snow events, leading to rapid snowmelt and increased flood risk. This threatens the region's critical seasonal water storage, refilling reservoirs and producing hydroelectric power.
Climate change may complicate avalanche risk across the Pacific Northwest
Research from the University of Washington reveals that warming winters in the Pacific Northwest are leading to more rain-on-snow events, icy crusts, and complex avalanche forecasting. The study's findings suggest that regions like Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana may see an increase in avalanche risk due to warmer temperatures.
Understanding mountain water – worldwide
The MountAInWater project uses a unique combination of field work, modeling, and AI to assess climate change impacts on mountain water supplies and identify potential tipping points. The global reanalysis will provide crucial resources for managing future water security challenges.
Fantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water
Researchers have identified fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures, making them a potential alternative to toxic silver iodide in cloud seeding. The discovery could lead to safer weather modification and improved food preservation techniques.
How does snow gather on a roof?
Researchers developed a model to calculate snow accumulation on roofs, considering snowflake size and distribution. Larger snow particles lead to greater accumulation, while higher wind speeds reduce depth. The study provides insights for building codes and guidelines for snow loading.
AMS Science Preview: Hurricane slowdown, school snow days
A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.
Microbes under the snow: The hidden (and vulnerable) world that fuels spring
Soil microbes thrive under winter snowpacks, releasing nutrients critical for plant growth. New research reveals distinct groups orchestrate seasonal nitrogen cycling, transforming organic compounds into forms plants can use.
Improving snowfall forecasts in the Mountain West
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new model to predict the snow-to-liquid ratio, which varies widely in the Western United States. By training a random forest model on high-quality data from 14 mountain sites, they were able to explain nearly half of the variability in snow density compared to existing methods.
Engineers uncover why tiny particles form clusters in turbulent air
A new study reveals that small electric charges between particles play a crucial role in forming highly concentrated clusters in turbulent environments. This discovery has significant implications for climate research, medicine, engineering, and science, enabling better predictions and controls.
Targeted snow monitoring at hotspots outperforms basin-wide surveys in predicting water supply
Researchers found that targeted snow monitoring at hotspots can improve water supply predictions in most basins, with typical gains of 11-14% compared to 4%. This approach is more cost-effective than basin-wide surveys and has potential for more accurate forecasts.
The tipping of the last resilient glaciers
Researchers studying Tajikistan's Kyzylsu Glacier found that the glacier likely reached its tipping point in 2018, with decreasing snowfall causing it to melt. The study uses computational models driven by new local observations and demonstrates the importance of densifying observational data in understanding anomalous glacier behavior.
A multisensor approach to accurate snow water equivalent retrieval from space
Researchers developed a multisensor approach combining optical and L-band InSAR data to improve snow water equivalent (SWE) retrievals. The study found that combining optical and radar data can enhance SWE estimations, particularly in mountain environments.
Less snow makes trees absorb less carbon, according to new BU study
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that warmer summer temperatures increase tree growth, but less snow on the ground slows this growth significantly. This means that New England forests' ability to store carbon in future climate scenarios is likely overestimated.
Major dust-up for water in the Colorado River
Researchers used satellite data to analyze the impact of dust on snowmelt in the Colorado River Basin. The study found that dust-driven melting tends to peak earliest and be most intense in central-southern Rocky Mountains, accelerating spring melt rates by up to 1 mm water-equivalent per hour.
Melting snow and ice enhance cloud short-wave cooling effect, partially slowing further melting
A study found that Arctic snow and ice melting triggers an enhancement in the cloud short-wave cooling effect, partially slowing further melting. This new perspective reveals a co-evolution mechanism between clouds, snow/ice coverage, and surface albedo.
New study finds Rocky Mountain snow contamination
A new study by Desert Research Institute reveals higher levels of mercury and metal contaminants in Rocky Mountain snow, particularly in the northern part of the range. The research, led by Monica Arienzo, found that winter storms carrying snow from mines in the Pacific Northwest and Idaho brought these contaminants to the region.
Blurring the line between rain and snow: the limits of meteorological classification
Researchers evaluate traditional precipitation phase partitioning methods and machine learning models, revealing near-freezing temperatures create inherent limitations in distinguishing between rain and snow. Accurate identification is critical for weather forecasting, hydrologic modeling, and climate research.
Intense atmospheric rivers can replenish some of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s lost ice
A single storm delivered over 16 billion tons of snow to Greenland, offsetting the sheet's annual ice loss and delaying summer melt. The study found that under right conditions, atmospheric rivers might not be all bad news for the Greenland Ice Sheet.
International research collaboration uncovers key driver of Himalayan glacier melt
A new study reveals that dust storms picking up black carbon from heavily-polluted areas and depositing it in the mountains darkens the ice and snow, causing it to melt faster. This regional environmental problem is a second, more local cause of glacier loss in the Himalayas.
Atop the Oregon Cascades, UO team finds a huge buried aquifer
A team of scientists has mapped an enormous aquifer beneath the Oregon Cascades, containing at least 81 cubic kilometers of water - nearly three times the capacity of Lake Mead. The finding has significant implications for water management and volcanic hazards in the region.
AMS Science Preview: Tall hurricanes, snow and wildfire
Early online research reveals associations between snowmelt timing, wildfires in Alaska, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones. The impact of climate patterns on extreme weather events is a growing concern.
AMS 2025 meeting promotes atmospheric science for a “thriving planet”
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
Lake ice becoming increasingly unsafe at start and end of winter, raising risk of drowning
Research by York University indicates that lake ice conditions are changing, with warmer temperatures increasing the formation of white ice, which is more prone to collapse. This poses a significant risk of accidents and drownings, particularly at the start and end of the winter season.
Bighorn sheep face death by avalanche in Sierra Nevada range
Climate change may lead to more frequent and deadly avalanches in the California range, posing a significant threat to endangered bighorn sheep. The species' fragile existence is threatened by reduced forage and increased avalanche mortality.
What triggered Nepal’s catastrophic 2021 flood – and could it happen again
A study by USC Dornsife scientists used satellite imagery, digital models, and field data to analyze the June 2021 Melamchi flood's triggers. The research found that heavy monsoon rainfall combined with excessive snowmelt overwhelmed river systems, causing catastrophic flooding.
Researchers show complex relationship between Arctic warming and Arctic dust
A new study by Nagoya University researchers reveals a complex relationship between Arctic warming and Arctic dust. Higher temperatures lead to increased dust emissions, promoting ice nucleation in clouds and potentially counteracting temperature feedback mechanisms.
Snowflake dance analysis could improve rain forecasts
A new study has found that analyzing the physical motion of falling snowflakes can improve rainfall predictions by estimating where and when ice crystals will melt into raindrops. The research revealed four main types of ice crystal motion, including stable, zigzag, transitional, and spiralling movements.
Researchers link El Niño to accelerated ice loss in tropics
Researchers have confirmed that El Niño causes a drastic reduction in the snow-covered area of the Quelccaya Ice Cap in the Peruvian Andes. The study used NASA Landsat satellites to measure the ice cap's sensitivity to climate shifts, finding that it lost about 58% of its snow cover between 1985 and 2022.
George Mason researchers conducting AI exploration for snow water equivalent
Researchers at George Mason University are developing an AI-powered system to predict snow water equivalent (SWE) forecasts, utilizing graph neural network-based models and physics-based constraints. The project aims to create more accurate and reliable SWE forecasts by capturing detailed snow accumulation and melt processes.
The survival rate for avalanche burials has increased by ten percent since 1994
The study analyzes 40 years of avalanche data, showing a significant increase in survival rates from 43.5% to 53.5% and a decrease in rescue time from 45 minutes to 25 minutes.
Lake ice quality degrading as planet warms – skaters, hockey players, ice truckers on thin ice
A new study from York University finds that lake ice quality is deteriorating due to climate change, making it unstable and unsafe for humans. The researchers warn of the dangers of thin layers of black ice and white ice combinations, which can lead to accidents and even fatalities.
Why isn't Colorado's snowpack ending up in the Colorado River? New research suggests the problem might be the lack of spring rainfall
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that warmer, drier springs account for almost 70% of the discrepancy between predicted and actual streamflow in Colorado. The team's findings suggest that plants rely more on snowmelt during dry springs, leaving less water to flow into nearby streams.
Parched Central Valley farms depend on Sierras for groundwater
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
USGS: Local dragonflies expose mercury pollution patterns
A new study reveals surprising findings about mercury pollution patterns in ecosystems, where it comes from and how it moves vary significantly. Dragonfly larvae are found to be a cost-effective indicator of mercury contamination in nearly every aquatic habitat, providing valuable insights for resource management decisions.
Study: Heavy snowfall and rain may contribute to some earthquakes
A study found that heavy snowfall and rain contribute to earthquake swarms in northern Japan by altering underground pressure. Climate conditions are linked to seismic activity, with the timing of intense precipitation events correlating with the start of quakes.
AMS Science Preview: Hawaiian climates; chronic pain; lightning-caused wildfires
A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.
Spring snow, sparkling in the sun, can reveal more than just good skiing conditions
Researchers have analyzed over a thousand images of snow to study its optical properties. The findings show promise in improving avalanche safety and autonomous car technology, but more data is needed.
Yellowstone Lake ice cover unchanged despite warming climate
Despite rising temperatures in the region, Yellowstone Lake's ice cover has not changed over the past century, according to new research. Increased snowfall has acted as a buffer against warmer weather, delaying ice break-up and protecting the lake's unique ice phenology.
Climate change disrupts vital ecosystems in the Alps
Scientists have found that climate change is altering the timing of plant and soil processes in the Alps, leading to disruptions in nutrient cycling and potentially threatening biodiversity. The high mountains are warming at a faster rate than surrounding areas, resulting in reduced snow cover and changes in vegetation patterns.
New model clarifies why water freezes at a range of temperatures
Researchers unveiled a theoretical model that shows specific structural details on surfaces can influence water's freezing point. The model identifies angles between microscopic bumps on a surface that make it easier for water molecules to crystallize at relatively warmer temperatures.
Oregon State researchers take deep dive into how much water is stored in snow
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new metric to measure water storage in snowpacks, which reveals a 22% drop in annual storage over the past four decades. This finding is important for water managers as it can help make long-term planning decisions for adjusting infrastructure options.
The future is likely less skiable, thanks to climate change
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant reduction in natural snow cover days globally, with popular ski hubs moving to remote areas. The European Alps, Australian Alps, and Japanese Alps are expected to experience the most decline, threatening local livelihoods and ecosystems.
PSU study sheds light on 2020 extreme weather event that brought fires and snow to western US
A PSU study analyzed the meteorology behind the September 2020 Western United States extreme weather event, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. The research found that a highly amplified wave pattern persisted for several days, fueled by dry air from western Canada.
The surprising secrets of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch
A new study published in Monthly Weather Review analyzes hundreds of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found that storm systems carrying relatively little water vapor were still capable of producing heavy snows, and the relationship between high-IVT storms and extreme precipitation is complex.
Climate change behind sharp drop in snowpack since 1980s
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
Snowflakes swirling in turbulent air as they fall through a laser light sheet. Credit: Singh et al.
A team from the University of Utah found that snowflakes' accelerations follow an exponential distribution with a consistent exponent, regardless of turbulence or type. This discovery has significant implications for storm forecasting and understanding climate change.
The science behind snowflakes
A team of researchers found that predicting snowflake movement is surprisingly simple, with patterns emerging based on a parameter called the Stokes number. This discovery has implications for weather forecasting and climate change, as it can affect precipitation patterns and cloud lifetimes.
Accurate snow measurement thanks to AI and satellites
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new technology using satellite images and artificial intelligence to determine snow depth with high accuracy. The system can provide detailed snow distribution patterns, even for areas without existing measurements, and offers an indication of uncertainty.
Pacific Northwest snowpack endangered by increasing spring heatwaves
A Washington State University study reveals that high-elevation snow in the Pacific Northwest is melting earlier due to frequent and intense heatwaves. The researchers found that these heatwaves have doubled in frequency and intensity since the mid-1990s, posing a significant threat to the region's water supply.
How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation
A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.
Mountain goats seek snow to shake off insects
Researchers studied mountain goats' behavior in Glacier National Park, finding that ear flicks showed a strong correlation with the presence of snow. The lack of summer snow patches may increase their risk of local extirpation due to increased tick infestations.
A simulation to visualize the evolution of Alpine ice cover over the last 120,000 years
A new computer model reconstructs the evolution of Alpine ice cover with unprecedented precision, allowing scientists to understand past climate interaction with glaciers. The simulation provides a direct visualization of phenomena, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Rivers may not recover from drought for years
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
Study: Scientists investigate grand canyon's ancient past to predict future climate impacts
A UNLV study found that a warm period in the early Holocene, when temperatures rose, led to increased summer rainfall and groundwater recharge. The researchers used an ancient stalagmite to analyze precipitation patterns and estimate the potential impact of future climate change on monsoon rains.
Fall snow levels can predict a season's total snowpack in some western states
Researchers found that fall snow levels are a good predictor of total snowpack in some western states, particularly in northern regions like Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. This prediction works due to cooler air temperatures and weather patterns that help retain snow on the ground, adding to the total snowpack.
Blowing snow contributes to Arctic warming
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that blowing snow produces fine sea salt aerosols, increasing particle concentration and cloud formation in the central Arctic. These aerosols contribute to Arctic warming by trapping surface long-wave radiation, boosting temperatures.