Recent snowfall concerns experts in drought-ridden Colorado
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High Country snowpack improves, but a lot more snow is needed
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Radio IowaFebruary 24, 2021Last Updated: February 24, 2021 Ice chunks in Raccoon River, Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – It’s taken months, but the long-predicted La Nina weather pattern seems to have taken hold, impacting much of the nation’s climate and the effects may linger through spring. After Iowa’s prolonged, bitter cold weather during most of February, climatologist and drought specialist Becky Bollinger says the March temperatures should follow a La Nina pattern and be warmer.
The weekly U-S Drought Monitor shows wide sections of Iowa are abnormally dry, while much of western Iowa is under moderate to severe drought, with portions of northwest Iowa considered in extreme drought. Bollinger says the regions that are in drought now will likely stay that way.
Skiers and riders rejoice with the fresh snow on Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Vail. Heavy snowfall in February helped moved snowpack levels at measuring sites closer to average for the winter.
Here’s the good news: February was a good month for snowfall in the area. Here’s the bad news: It wasn’t enough to break us from our current drought conditions.
A more-snowy February managed to provide a good bit of catch-up moisture to local snow measurement sites. The “snow water equivalent” at those sites is currently close to normal, as measured by 30-year median snowfall.
But heading into March and April, the area’s snowiest months, it’s easy to fall behind.