Portland, ORE– New Research out of OSU, found over 20 years, a 22% decrease in the amount of water held in snowpack over a season in the mountains of the lower 48 states.
Data from several dozen sites in Oregon from 1980 to 2020 found a 48% decline in snow/water storage per year.
David Hill, the scientist in charge of the research, said snow normally holds water like a reservoir, and moderates stream flow.
With Oregon’s dry summers, that helps provide water when it’s needed.
But, Hill said, their data found snowfall has changed, especially in the past 10 years, with more intense storms, and several snowpack peaks per season.
He says water managers will need to work with new water storage options and timing in the future.
Hill said the study also considered snow density because lighter, fluffy snow holds less water than dense, heavy snow.
Data from several dozen sites in Oregon from 1980 to 2020 found a 48% decline in snow/water storage per year.
