Are atmospheric rivers bringing us more snow?

Just like California, Utah has been slammed this winter by a series of snow storms associated with the atmospheric river phenomenon resulting in record accumulation of heavy, dense snow.

These long and wide plumes of water vapor flowing from the tropical Pacific regions are amplified as Earth warms, according to climate scientists. 

 Still, Utah is typically known for its dry environment. But these recent atmospheric rivers have paradoxically brought an influx of rain and snow, creating a buildup of snow-pack that could ease drought conditions. 

According to climate specialist, these massive rivers, which sometimes carry 15 times the water volume of the Mississippi River, deliver half of the western United States’ total precipitation in less than 15 total days. Since pre-industrial times, Earth’s atmosphere has warmed about 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and after observing heavier rain in storms, hurricanes, daily precipitation researching are now focusing on atmospheric rivers. 

This new development might play a critical role in supplying mountain snow-pack, which serves as an important source of freshwater as it melts in the spring and summer. Yet, as global temperatures rise, the snow level is getting higher in altitude and that good trend for skiers might be limited in time. 

We’ll see what happens, but the for the moment we’re seriously snowed in!