The West's Snow Woes: A Growing Concern

The western US is facing a serious snow shortage, causing trouble for businesses and raising fears about water supplies for the summer. Brad Riesenberg, who owns a snowmobiling company in Utah, has never seen a winter like this one. The lack of snow has forced him to cancel tours and lose money. Utah isn't the only state struggling. Most of the western mountains are also missing their usual snow, thanks to unusually warm temperatures. This isn't just a problem for winter sports lovers. Experts are worried about the long-term effects. If the snow keeps disappearing, it could make the western drought worse. This could lead to arguments over water use along the Colorado River. It could also increase the risk of wildfires and reduce water supplies in other areas. In Colorado, many places are seeing record low snow levels. Russ Schumacher, the state's climatologist, says a high-pressure system has been blocking cold air and snowstorms. He notes that the average temperature in Fort Collins in December was as warm as March. This unusual warmth is a big topic of conversation in the region.Jon Meyer, Utah's assistant state climatologist, says these changes are part of larger climate shifts. He's concerned about the impact on the economy and the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The city recently recorded one of its latest snowfalls on record. The lack of snow is also causing water worries. The western US relies on spring snowmelt for its summer water supplies. If the snow doesn't return, it could lead to a water shortage. Schumacher says the situation is concerning, but it's not too late for a change. However, there's no sign of a weather pattern shift yet. In Arizona, the story is similar. Erinanne Saffell, the state's climatologist, says Phoenix and Tucson had their hottest Decembers on record. She's hopeful that the rest of the winter could bring more snow, but it would take a significant change in the weather pattern.