The Guardian | ‘On a whole other level’: rapid snow melt-off in American west stuns scientists by Gabrielle Canon

Experts say brutal March heat has left critical snowpack at record-low levels – and key basins in uncharted territory

Snow surveys taking place across the American west this week are offering a grim prognosis, after a historically warm winter and searing March temperatures left the critical snowpack at record-low levels across the region.

Experts warned that even as the heat begins to subside, the stunning pace of melt-off over the past month has left key basins in uncharted territory for the dry seasons ahead. Though there’s still potential for more snow in the forecast, experts said it will likely be too little too late.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/snowmelt-american-west

#climatecrisis #americanwest #scientists #snowpack #dryseasons

"Dawn Will Turn to Silver Glass"...one of the most magical mornings I've ever been, and it was all because of the ripples and rapids of this little stream.

Taken by me in the Sierra Nevada last April.

#art #photography #stream #river #creek #California #SierraNevada #sunrise #landscape #beautifullandscape #AmericanWest

Like many things Pacific Northwest few outsiders are aware of it, but wine country extends into *Idaho*, courtesy of the gorges of the Columbia and Snake River systems that place you in a realm evocative of an alien planet.

A capture of that vibe one summer evening in far western Idaho: "Golden Hour in Wine Country".

#art #photography #AmericanWest #wine #vineyard #Idaho #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #sky #skyscape #sunset #landscape