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Dartmouth Study Reveals Diminishing Snowpacks, Calls for Urgent Action

A recent study by Dartmouth College researchers highlights a concerning trend in diminishing snowpacks across the Northern Hemisphere over the past 40 years, largely due to human-driven atmospheric pollution.

  • Electric transmission tower in the snow

    A new study from Dartmouth College revealed that seasonal snowpacks have significantly decreased in size over the past 40 years across the Northern Hemisphere because of human-driven atmospheric pollution. 

Published in the journal Nature, the study underscores the critical loss of snow in vital regions including the Southwestern and Northeastern United States. Dartmouth's team, led by Alexander Gottlieb and senior author Justin Mankin, identified a significant reduction in March snow water equivalent, noting declines of 10% to 20% per decade in affected areas.

This dramatic decrease poses severe risks to water supplies and winter economies, particularly impacting skiing industries in states like Vermont and New Hampshire. The study calls for a reevaluation of water resource management and advocates for robust climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming. The findings emphasize the necessity for communities to adapt to these changes, not just as short-term crises but as permanent shifts in environmental conditions.

Read more on The Cool Down.