Changing Winter Dynamics in the North Cascades

Abstract

Snowpack is a vital component of the ecosystem in the North Cascadesof Washington state. As winter temperatures rise,the increase in number of abovefreezing days is leading to a dramatically reduced mountain snowpack. Using data obtained from the Washington Department of Transportation and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration,trends in winter snowfall andtemperature are examined. Overall,a decrease in annual snowfall totals is observed, although natural cycles in moisture and precipitation can obscure this trend in the short term. Overall,an increase in both daytime high and nighttime low temperatures is observed, increasing the number of above freezing days,and decreasing the number of nights that fall below freezing. In summary,these trends seem to be escalating and may have dramatic implications for the future of year-round snowpack in the North Cascades.