** Climate change may cause snow to vanish from the West for years at a time
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Monday, December 6, 2021
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Oregon | B ([link removed]) ob Wick, Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])

Across the West, snow allows life to exist as we know it. Mountain snowpack holds water which then tumbles down to the deserts and plains throughout the year, filling rivers and reservoirs to sustain life; higher up in the mountain valleys ranchers in winter admire the awe of silent and snowy sunrises. Even higher on mountain slopes, recreationalists enjoy powdery ski turns and the feeling of flying. It's all part of what makes this place special.

But a new study projects that in about 35 to 60 years, mountainous states may be nearly snowless for years at a time ([link removed]) if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked and climate change does not slow. The resulting lack of water would be "potentially catastrophic ([link removed]) ," according to the study's authors.

The Western United States has already lost 20% of its snowpack since the 1950s, and stands to lose another half (or more) later this century ([link removed]) . Such predictions aren't just a specter on the distant horizon: right now, much of the West ([link removed]) is experiencing a lack of snow, with snow cover across the nation at only 6%, the lowest since records began ([link removed]) .

Past low-snow years, such as 2015 in the Sierra Nevada when peak snowpack was only 5% of normal ([link removed]) , have strained water systems. But such years are projected to become chronic and persistent, occurring for prolonged periods of years at a time ([link removed]) . As a result, water managers will need to adapt, establishing new strategies such as banking unused water from wetter years and putting in place recycled water systems.

A lack of snow will also have obvious impacts on winter recreation across the West ([link removed]) , impacting outdoor recreation economies and local communities. That said, snow sports aren't the only outdoor activities that will suffer under future climate conditions. From hunting and fishing to river and trail sports, climate change is already threatening outdoor recreation ([link removed]) .

Whether it's a lack of snow on the horizon or the increasing risks of catastrophic wildfires, one thing is clear: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the worst of climate change is going to be far less costly—to both our pocketbooks and our ways of life—than the consequences of inaction.
Quick hits


** Biden tribal policy would shake up energy law on public lands
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Why is gas so expensive? Spoiler: it's not Biden's climate policies
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Grist ([link removed])


** A Colorado family tried to save their cattle ranch by betting big on rare birds. It’s paying off.
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Biggest fire in California history makes 2021 second-worst year on record
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Zion's iconic Angels Landing hike to require permits
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** 900 bison in Yellowstone targeted for removal
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New York Times ([link removed])


** Opinion: It's time to stop betting Wyoming's future on Wyoming's past
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])


** Top national parks to visit in winter... as well as some unknown gems we bet you haven't heard of
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Travel Off Path [Winter visits ([link removed]) ] | National Parks Traveler [Unknown gems ([link removed]) ]
Quote of the day
They keep saying, ‘We fixed it, we fixed it,’ and we keep showing that it's not fixed... The bottom line is I shouldn't be afraid to go outside. And no one should feel afraid to breathe the air in their own house.”

—Von Bortz, impacted by continued leaks from oil company despite complaints, C ([link removed]) oloradoan ([link removed])
Picture this


** @N ([link removed]) ationalParkService ([link removed])
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Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball fur…

Due to its cat-like size and appearance, the nickname ‘cat’ usually follows a Ringtail. But this nocturnal animal is not a cat. It’s actually a small-sized member of the raccoon family... Ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) are shy creatures that often rank high on the cuteness scale (non-scientific) because of their laidback and highly adaptive nature. (That describes most of us, right?) Fun fact. Young ringtail cats are commonly referred to as cubs. (Because why not?)

Image: A Ringtail curled up in a ball at @coronado_nps ([link removed]) .

#ringtailcat ([link removed]) #nature ([link removed]) #nationalparkservice ([link removed]) #feltcute ([link removed]) #arizona ([link removed])

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