On December 3, Bluewood Ski Area in Southeast Washington announced it would push back its opening day due to a lack of snow. While the resort typically opens in mid to late December, the real issue this year isn’t just the absence of precipitation but unexpectedly warm temperatures.
Bluewood isn’t alone; many ski areas in the Pacific Northwest have faced similar challenges. Ian McClelland, a senior at Whitman, shared that Schweitzer, a resort he frequents, has had little snow despite frequent rain. “They had rain instead of snow,” he said.
According to the Washington State Climate Office, La Niña conditions might increase precipitation this season, but overall snowpack isn’t expected to rise. This has led to concerns about how climate change will affect winter sports in the years to come. Recent trends show that Washington has seen a 15-35% decline in snowpack from the mid-1950s to 2006, likely worsening as temperatures rise.
Jacob Genuise, an Engagement Climatologist, predicts that by the 2080s, snowpack could decrease by 17-83%, depending on temperature rises and emissions levels. This loss of snow isn’t just about skiing; it can lead to flooding and drought. Genuise explained that more rain falls in shorter bursts, raising flood risks for places like Walla Walla, where water typically comes from snowmelt.
Interestingly, while some regions are seeing a loss in snowpack, high-elevation areas, like the Northern Cascades, may still receive more snowfall thanks to warmer ocean temperatures increasing moisture in the air. Local geologist Kevin Pogue noted, “Warmer oceans can pump more moisture into the atmosphere, leading to bigger snowfalls in snowy regions.”
Pogue, formerly of Whitman’s geology department, observed that higher elevations are experiencing warmer morning lows, which might extend the growing season for crops. However, this also raises the risk of drought due to reduced snowpack and changing water supply patterns.
The implications of these changes are vast. Farmers rely on snowmelt for irrigation, and any reduction could impact crop yields. “We need to see consistent snowfall to ensure adequate water availability,” Genuise emphasized.
While some experts are concerned about the future of winter sports, Pogue believes that Bluewood’s snowy winters may continue for a while. He noted that even though ice climbing has been fewer in recent years, there’s no significant change in long-term patterns.
However, summer weather is changing drastically. Pogue observed increased smoke from wildfires, which has altered local outdoor activities and even field trips for geology students. Wildfires aren’t new, but the rise of “smoke season” in late summer is becoming a regular concern.
Ultimately, climate change will reshape our seasons. Adjustments will be necessary, from small changes in outdoor recreation to larger shifts in infrastructure. Adapting to these changes could help communities remain resilient in the face of evolving weather patterns.
For more on climate trends and snowpack data in Washington, you can check the Washington State Climate Office for recent findings.
