Arts & Entertainment
Water Wisdom: Shrinking snowpack
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Stephanie Lynn EBS Contributor
Despite the recent subzero cold snap, Montana, on average, is heating up as a result of human-induced climate change.
The uptick in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution has caused a rapid rise in temperatures globally, triggering impacts to both humans and natural systems. The consequences are already apparent in Montana, where the climate may warm faster than the rest of the United States, according to the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment. The study reported statewide temperatures increased 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit between 1950 and 2015, and predicted a continued rise in temperatures by an additional 4-6 degrees by mid-century.
Even small shifts in temperature can lead to big impacts on snowpack and water supply. A few degrees of increase could result in an additional month or longer with temperatures above freezing in western Montana. As a result, more precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow.
“That rain doesn’t hang around into the springtime, so it is more likely lost from the system rather than melting out in the spring or summertime when people, fish and wildlife need it most,” said Molly Cross, climate change adaptation coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Snowpack has decreased by approximately 20 percent statewide over the past 80 years, as reported by the Montana Climate Assessment. As average temperatures warm, this trend may continue over the next century, particularly when conditions hover near freezing in the spring and at mid and low elevations.
Deteriorating snowpack imperils the state’s outdoor economy, particularly winter recreation. One national study published by the peer-reviewed journal “Global Environmental Change” forecasts that warmer winters will reduce ski season length at some downhill resorts by more than 50 percent by 2050. Although elevation and northern latitude position Big Sky for climate-change resilience, the ski season may be as much as a month shorter by mid-century, the study predicts.
According to Twila Moon, a Big Sky-based glacial research scientist, reduced snowpack also influences water supply, fisheries, wildfire risk and agriculture.
“We need to plan for these changes and also act individually, locally and regionally to reduce our fossil fuel use so that we can help to slow or reduce the changes,” Moon said. “That is the best protection for ensuring that the economy and activities we establish today will be strong in the future.”
Proactive management strategies, such as those outlined in the Big Sky Sustainable Watershed plan that recharge both groundwater levels and summer streamflow, will help the community adapt to both shrinking snowpack and warming temperatures.
Stephanie Lynn is the education and communications coordinator for the Gallatin River Task Force.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
more
Event Details
Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
Time
(Wednesday) 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Bozeman Public Library
626 E. Main St, Bozeman, MT