This winter we have seen a lot less snow, and a lot more rain, than usual. While the immediate effects of this weather difference are apparent, especially recreationally, the long term impacts may be harder to see. As spring arrives, there will be less snow melt (due to minimal snow) than what we may be used to. Snow melt from alpine zones, which lags behind lower elevations, serves as an important water source for many places (especially in the western United States). Precipitation falling as rain is available for only a short period of time, and immediately. Snow, on the other hand, accumulates during a time when demand for water is low, and melts off slowly into the summer to provide a consistent and long-term water supply. The case is being made that seeing this much rain as opposed to snow, will lead to lower summer stream flows.
