By: Kat Littfin

Editorial Editor

Over the past few months, California has experienced a historically warm winter, triggering several weather events across the state. Indicators of worsening global warming persist across the country, but effects are especially apparent in California.

Tahoe’s Sierra Nevada mountain range plays an important role in the state’s tourism and water supply. On average, the Lake Tahoe/Reno area generates 15 million tourists and over five billion dollars annually in tourism revenue. According to the LA Times, the Sierra snowpack provides about 30% of the state’s water. This winter’s warm weather has complicated these factors. Snow was incredibly sparse in many of the ski resorts in Tahoe until storms in February, deterring many tourists from visiting the area for skiing, especially over the winter vacation. Warm winters cause precipitation instead of snowfall, changing the timing of runoff and water collection. The northern region of the Sierra Nevada’s snow pack is currently at 46% of its average level, which results in reduced water collection and damages the environment. According to Larry O’Neal, an Oregon State climatologist, “Projections show that our winters are going to look a lot more like this in the future…So this is really a test of our resiliency, of our water supply.” These changes project a pessimistic outlook for Tahoe’s natural environment and economy.

After a period of warmth, Tahoe and many regions in Northern California experienced storms and snowfall during February, which seemingly ameliorated the issues the previously warm weather caused. However, during Ski Week – when many tourists visit resorts in Tahoe – an avalanche occurred at Castle Peak Mountain. According to Scientific American, record-breaking heat during the winter may have been a cause of the avalanche. Warm climate can cause thin snow coverage on mountain peaks, providing an unstable base under the layer of new snow on the peaks after a storm. As a result, avalanches are more likely in these areas. This phenomenon caused the deadliest avalanche in recent California history on Feb. 17, which occurred near Frog Lake and Castle Peak. The incident trapped 15 skiers, including three guides, and killed nine people. 

Global warming-related events have affected states across the nation. In the Midwest, a tornado hit many cities, and at least eight people died. Even locally, this week’s heat wave has threatened to exacerbate the drought outlook in regions across the country. These cases should bring alarm about the effects of global warming, as these conditions will worsen.

(Sources: Los Angeles Times, Reno Tahoe, Scientific American, SF Gate)