This measurement takes into account both the amount of water in the snow and how long it has been stored. Unlike traditional methods that focus on a single point in time (e.g., peak snow water equivalent) or a specific date (e.g., April 1), “snow reserves” provide a cumulative picture. This allows for more accurate comparisons across time and regions.
Analyzing nearly four decades of data, the study found a disturbing trend: Annual snow water storage in U.S. mountain regions has decreased by 22%. Although these mountains cover only 16% of the total area, they account for a significant portion (72%) of the snow water in the region.
Traditional measurements may not tell the full story, especially given the increasing variability in snowfall patterns and the shift toward precipitation, the researchers say.
Source: Ferra
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