Seasonal snowpack is a natural freezer system of winter precipitation which will be slowly released to increase spring and summer water supplies. Snow droughts are more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere since climate change also changes behavior of winter climate.
What is the Cause of Snow Drought?
Snow droughts can be divided into two major categories which are dry snow drought and warm snow drought. Dry snow drought occurs when one winter brings very little precipitation while warm snow drought takes place when the precipitation would be present in the rainy format and not as snow if the temperature is above zero.
Where are the Shrinkages of Snowpack Happening?
Long-term observations from western regions of the USA indicated that in 78% of observed mountain region rainfall during the last 60 years was decreased with a more pronounced trend for lower altitude mountains. In some parts of Asia (e.g. Hindu Kush Himalaya) a record low amount of snow has brought serious concerns regarding water usage.
Why Does Snow Absence Matter?
The fact that over 2 billion people rely on the water from snowmelt for different purposes. When the snow melts too quickly there can also be a situation when spring floods come followed by severe summer water shortages, drying out soils and fueling wildfires.
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