Podcasts about Snowpack

In this interview episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer chats with Bob Hamel, the Executive Director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. The conversation digs into what river recreation will look like following a winter season of record-setting snowpack, also taking a look at how rafting outfitters are adapting to the conditions.

California recorded its second-lowest Sierra Nevada snowpack on record this spring. That's not just a bad ski season, it's a water supply crisis. Snowpack is where California's water comes from. And when it doesn't materialize, agriculture, hydropower, and fire suppression all feel the strain. Dacia Leon, CEO and co-founder of Supercool Earth, is building a company around a deceptively simple idea: use biology to make it rain and snow where it's needed most, on demand. Her company's core technology involves engineering microbes to produce high quantities of this pure protein cheaply, which is then used in snowmaking machines and for cloud seeding. Supercool Earth is targeting high-margin markets first, starting with a snow-making additive for ski resorts. It's a cheaper, greener, and scalable alternative to existing products like Snomax largely because it's made of pure, biodegradable protein (no bacterial cells), has no smell, and is stable at room temperature.  The company is intentionally using natural proteins instead of non-degrading silver iodide used in traditional cloud seeding to streamline the regulatory process through EPA TSCA, which is faster than dealing with GMO regulations. In this episode, Lara Pierpoint talks with Dacia about the science and commercial strategy behind Supercool Earth, the lessons she's carrying from Bio 1.0 failures, the public perception challenges around geoengineering, and what she'd do if $100 million landed in the company's bank account tomorrow. Credits: Hosted by Lara Pierpoint. Produced and edited by Ross Kenyon and Anne Bailey. Technical direction by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor. The Green Blueprint is a co-production of Latitude Media and Trellis Climate. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts. For more reporting on the companies featured in this show, subscribe to Latitude Media's newsletter.

What will the rivers of the Colorado Basin have for flow this year? Many rivers already had one peak in March during the heat dome, and a second peak is expected in May. But as spring in the Rocky Mountains is unpredictable, it is currently snowing and raining in the northern basin. This episode is the third in a series of five interviews with the River Forecast Centers of the United States.  Our guest in this episode is Cody Moser, Senior River Hydrologist with the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. We talk through the soil moisture of 2025, the winter of 2026, the March heat dome, the wet spring, and what may happen if El Niño fires up a wet weather pattern for the rest of the year.  GUEST Cody Moser, Senior Hydrologist Colorado Basin River Forecast Center River Forecast Centers NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NWS National Weather Service   SPONSORSPoudre River Fund NRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation   PREVIOUS EPISODES ON RIVER FLOW FORECASTCalifornia & Nevada Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Apple Podcasts California & Nevada Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Spotify Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Apple Podcasts Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Spotify2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Apple Podcasts 2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Spotify 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow -  Apple Podcasts 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow - SpotifyAtmospheric Rivers 101 - Apple Podcasts Atmospheric Rivers 101 - Spotify THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

With the unique winter and spring weather events creating a mixed snowpack and melt season, this episode talks with the California Nevada River Forecast Center to learn details about the expected river flows this spring and summer in their region, and to look at what types of precipitation might load up for the summer and fall. This is the 2nd episode in a series of five episodes talking with five River Forecast Centers across the US. The River Forecast Centers are part of the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; they track all precipitation in each river basin, creating flow forecasts based on a variety of parameters. In this time of shifty weather and climate rowdiness, these experts are able to explain how the weather of the past fall and winter will impact river flows today and into the near future.    California Nevada River Forecast Center River Forecast Centers NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NWS National Weather Service   SPONSORSPoudre River Fund NRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation   PREVIOUS EPISODES ON RIVER FLOW FORECAST Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Apple Podcasts Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Spotify2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Apple Podcasts 2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Spotify 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow -  Apple Podcasts 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow - SpotifyAtmospheric Rivers 101 - Apple Podcasts Atmospheric Rivers 101 - Spotify THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

As rivers in the west fill with spring runoff, we begin a series of episodes with various river hydrologists from four River Forecast Centers across the country. In this episode, we talk with the Northwest River Forecast Center in Oregon to learn about this past winter's precipitation and what flows will emerge this spring and summer. This episode is focused on the Columbia River Basin. Our guest is Amy Burke, a river hydrologist from the NWRFC. She explains the impacts of the Atmospheric Rivers and the March heat dome. Following this episode will be companion episodes for many of the river basins popular with river runners.   GUESTS Amy Burke Northwest River Forecast Cente River Forecast Centers NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NWS National Weather Service   SPONSORSNRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation   PREVIOUS EPISODES ON RIVER FLOW FORECAST2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Apple Podcasts 2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Spotify 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow -  Apple Podcasts 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow - SpotifyAtmospheric Rivers 101 - Apple Podcasts Atmospheric Rivers 101 - Spotify THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

I don't know about you but I am on total pins and needles as I look toward summer, what with extremely low snow pack and persistent drought in Idaho.

Joel Gratz is Founding Meteorologist and CEO of OpenSnow, a weather platform used by hundreds of thousands of skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts to track snow conditions and forecast powder days. What started as a text thread among friends has grown into a profitable, bootstrapped business combining expert forecasting, data science, and increasingly AI-driven weather models. In this episode of Inevitable, Gratz breaks down one of the worst Western snowpack seasons on record and why he believes it's not as simple as blaming climate change.  The conversation explores the role of atmospheric variability versus long-term warming trends, why temperature matters more than precipitation for snowpack, and how mountain weather forecasting differs from traditional forecasts.  Finally, Gratz explains why emotional connection, not just accuracy, is what makes niche weather businesses work.  Episode recorded April 9, 2026 (published April 28, 2026) In this episode, we cover:  (0:00) An overview of OpenSnow (1:45) Weather conditions aren't just a climate change story (4:46) How warming temperatures impact snowpack quality (7:20) What OpenSnow is and how it started (12:46) OpenSnow's business model and growth (16:26) Why mountain weather is harder to forecast (21:16) How OpenSnow builds better forecasts from shared data (25:01) Powder quality vs snowfall: what actually matters (30:01) Snowpack as a water “battery” for the West (32:45) How ski resorts are adapting to climate variability (37:46) The reality of cloud seeding and weather modification (42:23) How emotional connection has helped OpenSnow succeed Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

With California facing a below-average snowpack and recent warm temperatures some technologies and methods are emerging to help farmers adapt their irrigation practices, and the FAA is accelerating enforcement of drone regulations, a move that could have broad implications for farmers.

IDWR Director issues Emergency Drought Declaration for all 44 Idaho counties.

Water drives everything in the western United States — and right now, it's increasingly scarce.In this episode, Ducks Unlimited's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Jeff McCreary, director of operations for the Western Region, to discuss waterfowl conservation across the Pacific Flyway. From declining snowpack and drying wetlands to competing water demands from agriculture, people, industry, and fish, Jeff breaks down the realities DU faces — and the solutions they're working toward. He also introduces the new Alaska Initiative and how it will inform the future of conservation in the Pacific Flyway's most important area for breeding waterfowl.The conversation spans the Central Valley of California, Klamath Basin, Great Salt Lake, and Alaska, highlighting how DU operates in some of the most complex and water‑limited landscapes in North America.In this episode:Why snowpack is the single most important driver of wetlands in the WestHow declining snow and rising temperatures affect ducks, farms, and citiesCurrent wetland conditions in California's Central Valley and Klamath BasinBotulism risk and innovative water management solutions in KlamathWhy rain helps short‑term but snowpack determines fall habitatThe drying trend across the western U.S. and climate implicationsGreat Salt Lake: why it matters to millions of birds and peopleDU's $100 million Great Salt Lake Initiative explainedControlling “the thirsty three” invasive plants: phragmites, tamarisk & Russian oliveAlaska's outsized role in producing Pacific Flyway waterfowlDU's new Alaska Initiative – Born to FlyWorking with native corporations, agencies, and industry in AlaskaWhy conservation in Alaska is about understanding — not restorationSurprising work DU does on endangered fish recoveryKeeping the Junior Duck Stamp program alive in Washington StateThis episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how DU operates where water is most precious — and why collaboration, science, and community matter more than ever.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Based on the “alarming” news we're hearing about the low snowpack in the mountains and another drought year lately, should we be panicking? UW Atmospheric Sciences Professor, Cliff Mass says not so much.

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Idaho and U.S. farmers are plowing ahead with their normal planting intentions this year despite rising input costs, lower farm-level prices for their commodities.

The bottom line regarding the state of western mountain snowpack levels and a projected lack of water runoff to fill irrigation and municipal reservoirs

08:00 — Omid Memarian is the Director of Communications at DAWN and also serves as the organization's Senior Iran Analyst. He has previously worked as a journalist and human rights professional. 33:00 — Eugene Cordero is professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State University. The post Trump Threatens to Attack “a Whole Civilization” in Iran; Plus, Unpacking Near Lowest Sierras Snowpack Levels on Record appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the record low water levels in Lake Powell that are threatening deadpool this year after scare snowfall this winter. We also recap the No Kings rally in Moab, and give an update about upcoming free medical screenings that will take place in town later this month. - Show Notes - • Lake Powell is heading for a record low https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-situation-is-dire-lake-powell-is-heading-for-a-record-low-as-colorado-river-states-remain-deadlocked/ • No Kings protest draws 350 protesters in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/no-kings-protest-draws-350-protesters-in-moab/ • Moab Free Health Clinic to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-free-health-clinic-to-offer-free-breast-cervical-cancer-screenings/

After two weeks of bi-polar weather in Canada chasing pow and getting rained on, aka a “dog's breakfast”, the boys recount the trip to Ice Creek Lodge and the wisdom gained from the jedi master of snow, Russell Hulbert. Meanwhile, back home in the Sierra, a dismal March left zero inches of snow on Donner Summit, the first time in recorded history, capping off a Winter to forget. Moving on to Spring things, the boys chat about a variety of topics including DOPE or DERPs on 32” mountain bike wheels, uphill or downhill traffic having the right of way on trails and reintroducing grizzly bears into the Sierra Nevada. Other topics include introducing a new AI-generated Mind the Track theme song, Trail Whisperer almost getting maced by a hiker while logging out a trail with his chainsaw, Lost Sierra trail conditions updates, a class-action anti-trust lawsuit against Vail Resorts and Alterra and has social media ruined April Fools Day?2:10 – New intro song for Mind the Track created by AI. Maybe AI is good for something.4:30 – Recapping a wild Canada ski hut trip to Ice Creek Lodge.8:00 – Watching avalanches come down all around the crew at Ice Creek Lodge.9:00 – Russell Hulbert, owner of Ice Creek Lodge, is a jedi of snow. The snow Yoda.13:50 – Learning everything you'd ever want to know about avalanche beacons – Mammut Barryvox versus the BCA Tracker 4.17:50 – Is all the risk, variables and dangers of pow skiing worth it? Should we just ski corn only?21:50 – Shout out to the crew of Ice Creek – Benny, Brodie and Hannah.25:05 – Jerry of the Day awards from the trip.28:14 – Skiing Kicking Horse in Golden, BC and attending the “State of the Snowpack”.35:25 – March closes out with zero inches of snow on Donner Summit all month – the first time in recorded history.38:20 – Has social media ruined April Fools?40:45 – A few LOST and FOUND stories – leave it where you found it.43:10 – Anti-trust lawsuit against Alterra and Vail Resorts regarding a duopoly and inflating the price of day pass tickets.49:50 – Update on the Downieville mountain biker getting lost. It's way dumber than expected.52:20 - DOPE or DERP from Stu – 32” wheels on a mountain biker.54:30 – DOPE or DERP/RANT from Lee – Uphill traffic has the right of way.1:02:45 – TW almost gets bear sprayed by a hiker while cutting out a log with a chainsaw.1:04:55 – DOPE or DERP – reintroduction of grizzly bears into California.1:12:55 – Update on the Ruby Mountains ski resort near Lamoille Canyon.1:16:35 – Listener feedback about the Frog Lake avalanche accident.1:18:40 – The Durand Glacier accident in 2003 changed guiding in Canada.1:23:50 – Spring corn skiing missions to Shasta and Lassen.1:25:55 – Calling 311 to complain about the Ice Cream Man1:28:30 – Trail Whisperer's story about being a cold calling headhunter machine. 1:35:15 – Lost Sierra trail conditions update – Mount Hough completely open!1:39:10 – Weather forecasters calling for Godzilla El Nino!

Thousands of immigrants lose their CalFresh benefits this month. The latest survey found it's one of the worst years ever for California's snowpack, a key SoCal water supply. Santa Monica officials looks for your ideas on what to do with the city's airport after it closes. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com

April 1st usually marks the peak of the winter mountain snowpack. This Podcast describes what the April 1st snowpack looked like and what the impacts will be as the calendar rolls into summer and early fall - not good.

Oregon's snowpack is at 29% of normal after a record warm winter. Drought emergencies are in effect as farmers brace for statewide water shortages.

California's snowpack is among the lowest on record. Also, an update on Sac City Unified's dire budget crisis. Finally, jazz harpist Motoshi Kosako joins ahead of his Sacramento performance.

Most areas in Idaho received a near-normal amount of precipitation this year but much of it came in the form of rain rather than snow.

If you've been hearing about historically low snowpack maps, hearing doom-and-gloom about drought, or trying to figure out if your hunt is about to get nuked by wildfires… this episode is worth your time. Today, Jaden sits down with Montana-based hydrologist Josh Boyd to break down what's actually happening across the West right now. We dig into how this winter shaped up, why snowpack is all over the board depending on elevation, and why a “low snow year” doesn't automatically mean bad hunting. One of the biggest takeaways: snowpack is just one piece of the puzzle. Fall moisture, soil saturation, and especially what happens in June and early July matter way more than most hunters realize. In fact, wildfire season in the Northern Rockies is driven far more by early summer heat and lack of precipitation than by how much snow fell in January. We also walk through what's happening regionally right now. Montana and parts of Wyoming are hanging in there with decent snowpack, while Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico are staring at historically low levels. Oregon's in a tough spot too. But even in those places, soil moisture and spring weather could still shift the outlook before fall. From a hunting standpoint, this conversation really comes down to how animals respond to moisture. In wet years, feed is everywhere and animals scatter. In dry years, they concentrate around limited water and quality forage. Neither is “better,” but they require completely different strategies. To learn more about west-wide snowpack & precipitation, visit the NRCS website here. If you want to keep an eye on the drought monitor, check out the U.S. drought monitor map here. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.com/ You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here  

Today... Western Colorado irrigators are facing a record-bad water season, with sharply reduced deliveries, canceled pump contracts, and likely impacts on farms, crops, and food prices due to extremely low snowpack and poor runoff forecasts. And later... Montrose Rec District will keep Flex Rec open through at least the end of 2026, despite monthly losses, to avoid disrupting members before its new nearby facility is ready.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado's Court of Appeals held a hearing on CSU's campus for the university's Democracy Summit, Fort Collins has now implemented fire restrictions in the city, Low snowpack levels in Colorado are drawing concern from the western United States.

Notes from Idaho Water Supply commmittee meeting

Water doesn't begin at the tap. It begins in the dark—underground, in aquifers older than memory. As snow in mountain air. As vapor. As storm. Something that refuses to stay still. By the time it reaches us, it has already lived many lives. There's a saying in the West: whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting. A line that carries history inside it—compacts, canals, courtrooms. Water hasn't always been political. For most of human history, it simply existed. But today, especially across the western United States, it often is. This episode begins in the Arizona desert, at Arcosanti. In 1970, architect Paolo Soleri and The Cosanti Foundation began building this place in central Arizona. The idea was arcology—architecture shaped by ecology. A community trying to imagine living with the land instead of against it. Curved concrete rises from the desert. Light pours through open space. A place built on questions. It was also the site of the HATCH Summit—artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, storytellers. People trying to collaborate their way toward something more resilient. Which makes it the right place to talk about water. Because water means different things at once. For some, it's sacred. For others, it's infrastructure—reservoirs, pipelines, allocations and rights. In the western United States, those rights often follow a simple rule: first come, first served. Use it—or lose it. That logic shaped rivers like the Colorado—now feeding cities, farms, and reservoirs like Lake Powell. But reservoirs drop. Snowpack shrinks. And "management" starts to sound more like triage. And this story doesn't stop in Arizona. In the Andes, salt flats hold the lithium powering electric vehicles. In Bogotá, officials count the days in their reservoirs as the possibility of "Day Zero" enters the conversation. Different places. Same question. What does it mean to live with water? In this conversation, Tate chamberlin sits down with Michellsey Benally, David Purkey, and Joel Barnes to explore that question—what a water right really is, who decides, and what it might mean to remember that water was never just a resource in the first place. Because water keeps moving. And the question is how we move with it.

STANDS, the Student Team for Awareness, Neutrality and District Safety will serve as a bridge between the student body and the Board of Trustees.KVMR News correspondent April Glaser spoke with UC Merced's Dr. Safeeq Khan to learn what the lower than average Sierra snowpack means for foothill communities in 2026.

Below normal Western Snowpack totals are causing more and more concern about regional water supplies.

Snowpack in the West is facing a historic drought, and new research from the University of Washington shows that forest thinning with modern tools cannot only reduce wildfire risk, but it can also increase the snowpack in winter by up to 30%. The researchers suggest this could help recover lost water and safeguard future water supply.   Forest thinning involves shredding and mulching small trees, shrubs and brush -- vegetation that is least resistant to fire. Creating more gaps between trees opens up sections of the forest floor that are shaded by the remaining forest. Snow that's on shaded ground faces less sun exposure, preserving snowpack more efficiently than when the snow is caught by trees. Cassie Lumbrazo, a research scientist at the University of Washington and the University of Alaska Southeast, joins us to explain the wide range of benefits these thinning methods can have on forest ecosystems and the impact these findings could have during a record-low year for snowpack in our region.

Spring is almost here, and there's a lot happening in Kent. In this episode of KentNow, we talk about the unusual winter weather and why Washington's mountain snowpack still matters for our water supply and environment. We also get ready to spring forward for Daylight Saving Time, debate favorite Little Debbie snacks, and check in on some fun food news. On the city side, Mayor Dana Ralph's State of the City address is just weeks away, we recap recent City Council activity, and share opportunities for residents to get involved from Drinks in the Driveway neighborhood conversations to lodging tax grants, neighborhood matching grants, recycling events, and Green Kent volunteer opportunities. We also sit down with Stephanie King, Recruitment Manager for the City of Kent, to talk about careers in public service, what makes local government work unique, and how people can explore job opportunities with the city. Plus, a quick Did You Know? about Washington's mountain snowpack and why what happens in the Cascades during winter affects our water, environment, and economy all year long.

Snowpack report -- Sen. Sandall defends vote against e-verify bill -- Sutherland Institute's Defending Ideas -- Measles exposure alert at Mtn. Crest High School 

Scooby-Doomed Winters unpacks the politics hiding in plain sight in Saturday morning cartoons — from Fred's suspiciously conservative-coded ascot to the Mystery Machine as a rolling metaphor for American decline in a warming world. Alex is joined by Cole Costello, a History PhD candidate at the University of Montana, to break down Winter Olympics fatigue, the controversies and undeniable strengths surrounding Eileen Gu, and what it all says about nationalism, climate anxiety, and the vibes of late-stage winter. Because yes — the dog is political, and the snowpack is too.

How have recent winter storms in the Sierra impacted the state snowpack. Sacramento's Ukrainian community reflects on four years of war. Finally, a new album mixes new songs and legendary musical covers.

Jordan Clayton, Utah Snow Survey's Data Collection Officer, provides the history of Utah's SNOTEL data collection and breaks down the current state our snowpack.

Snowpack reports -Does online gambling make Utah's anti-gambling laws irrelevant? -- Utah lawmakers clash with White House over AI regulations

While parts of the eastern and southern US have had unusually high snowfall this year, the West is in a snow drought. The abysmal winter sports season is just the tip of the melting iceberg: Snowpack is key to providing water throughout the year for the drought-stricken region. Joining Host Flora Lichtman to talk about this unusual winter are reporter David Condos and climate scientist Brad Udall.Guests:David Condos is the Southern Utah Reporter at KUER based in St. George.Brad Udall is a senior water and climate research scientist at Colorado State University's Colorado Water Center.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach covers the latest digital river mapping tools for permit winners, shares critical advice for aspiring rafting outfitters, and dives into the challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Episode Summary The show kicks off with a sobering update on a missing boater in the Illinois River area. Zach discusses the immense challenges of search and rescue in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, highlighting how the rugged terrain, overgrown brush, and poison oak make travel incredibly difficult even for experienced hikers. He also highlights a successful boat recovery by Nature Nicole, who utilized a flip line after completing a rescue instructor course with Zach. For those who recently scored a Middle Fork of the Salmon permit, Zach advocates for the digital river maps available through GoRafting.com. Used via the Far Out app, these maps allow boaters to see their exact mileage, upcoming camps, and real-time rapid updates—a significant advantage over traditional paper maps that can't be updated on the fly. The core of the episode focuses on the business of guiding. Zach shares a key lesson from his mentor, Dick Linford of Echo River Trips: in outfitting, sales and marketing are everything. He explains that while many enter the industry to be on the river, owning a company is more about being a salesperson, cleaning groovers, and managing logistics than it is about daily guiding. Topics and links that Zach talked about in this episode Digital River Maps: GoRafting.com and the Far Out App. Safety Spotlight: Boat recovery techniques and the Illinois River search efforts. Business Advice: The reality of starting and running a professional guiding company. Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode Topic: Search and Rescue. "Do you know any details of progress on the search for the missing boat around the Illinois?" Topic: River Gear. "Did you see Nature Nicole's video using your flip line for a boat recovery?" Topic: River Navigation. "Are digital maps better than paper maps for the Middle Fork Salmon?" Topic: Professional Growth. "Any advice for me starting a fresh guiding business?" Zach's Key Business Takeaways Sales First: Without sales, you have a name and some boats, but you don't have a company. Diversity of Experience: To run truly special trips, you must see a variety of rivers and how different companies operate. Problem Solving: Most outfitting issues—broken trucks, closed roads—can be solved with money, which only comes if you are filling your trips. Connect with Zach Instagram YouTube Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting Company and an International Rafting Federation Rafting Instructor. He has decades of river guiding and expedition experience across the American West and internationally, specializing in technical rowing and professional guide training.

For over two decades, the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies has been monitoring Colorado's snowpack from weather stations on Red Mountain Pass. Their team digs snow pits every few weeks documenting dust layers, measuring snow crystals, and tracking how the snowpack reflects sunlight. This year they're recording unusually low snow conditions across the state while studying how dust particles reduce snow's reflectivity and speed up melt timing. Since snowpack provides 70 percent of Colorado's water supply, understanding these patterns helps water managers plan for the seasons ahead. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Keesee Motor Company.Support the show

Negotiators from the seven Colorado River Basin states will likely miss a crucial deadline this weekend to submit a new plan for how to divide the dwindling water source. Without an agreement, the federal government retains the right to impose a contract on the states. The Feb. 14 deadline comes as the region faces record-low snowpack coupled with unusually warm temperatures this winter. - Show Notes - • USDA Snow Water Equivalent Map https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/imap/#version=2&elements=&networks=!&states=!&counties=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=true&hucLabels=false&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=&basinOpacity=75&basinNoDataOpacity=25&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=0&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=station&basinType=6&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8¶meter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1991&referenceEnd=2020&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=42.300&lon=-114.300&zoom=4.5

NID's recent snow survey measured about 9 1/2 inches of water—much lower than the typical 20 inches for this time of year—though NID Water Resources Superintendent Thor Larsen says all District reservoirs are close to full or spilling.The Hew Renew Process wants the public to help decide the fate of the historic building. 

Send us a textIn this episode of the Make Trades Great Again podcast, Eric and Andy discuss the unusual winter weather conditions, including the challenges of frozen pipes and heating systems. They share experiences diagnosing heating issues, the impact of wood-burning fireplaces on home heating, and the importance of maintaining heating systems during extreme cold. The conversation also touches on the significance of snowpack for moisture release and the challenges of DIY repairs, particularly with Triangle Tube boilers.Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Jeff Bliss reports heavy Sierra snowpack is quenching California's thirst, also noting the seventy-fifth anniversary of Nevada atomic tests and new Las Vegas rail options connecting the desert city.

In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about Alex Honnold's wild free solo climb up Taipei 101, the snow situation in Colorado, a major upgrade at a locals' favorite resort, skier visitation being down, a fossil that was discovered, a fine-dining spot that checks the boxes (and comes with a great view), and more.

Farm News & Views reports falling snowpack in southwest Colorado river basins and growing strain on U.S. farmers from low crop prices, high costs, and trade impacts.

Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane looks at the state of the state’s abysmal snowpack and how water managers across Colorado are keeping an eye on the clouds and the dwindling reservoirs. https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/21/big-storms-needed-huge-snow-supply-gap-colorado-water-experts/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/16/federal-plans-no-state-input-colorado-river/ https://chambermusic.com - Promotions tab: CHAMBER SUN coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Enjoying Orange Slices with Jeff & Ian (Part 1)

Farm leaders warn of mounting losses as trade tensions, global beef markets, and low snowpack threaten agricultural stability heading into 2026.

Many areas of the west have experienced warmer temperatures than normal and drier conditions.

Measuring Snow: Citizen Science in the CatskillsSummary: Winter in the Catskills isn't just about skiing, sledding, or shoveling. Snowpack plays a critical role in our water resources, local economies, and even global climate regulation. In this episode, Brett Barry speaks with Dr. Marco Tedesco of Columbia University's Lamont‑Doherty Earth Observatory, about the NASA‑funded X‑Snow Project — a citizen science initiative inviting volunteers to measure, photograph, and collect snow data across the region.Together, they explore how local observations help validate satellite models, improve climate predictions, and build community engagement around environmental stewardship.