Podcasts about Snowpack

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.

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 

Despite a strong start to California's wet season, the snowpack remains below average, which could mean less water available for summer irrigation, and a new 10% U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect last Tuesday.

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

This Podcast addresses the current status of the well below mountain snowpack, and whether it can make a comeback before the season ends.

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

Snowpack report and water use restrictions legislation -- Utah budget chief proposes $12 million tax credit to film movies, TV in Utah

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)

David Hekima from the Idaho Department of Water Resource said that this year so far is a disaster in the making.

The current mid-January dry spell is not helping the already below average mountain snowpack. This Podcast describes what is driving the dry weather and when will it break.

After a dry start to December, a series of storms brings rain and snow to much of California, and Ag policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era.

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.

Utah snowpack report -- Sen. Chris Wilson bill would protect Safe Harbor gun laws uses from public records requests

"Faith is not meant for the known, but to discover the mystery of the unknown." —Kristen Wambach

Idaho Water Resource Board approves 38 Aging Infrastructure Grants for $22.9 million, increases ESPA recharge goal in State Water Plan.

Notes on Pacific NW Water Supply Fall meeting at Boise State University.

2025 water year was a mixed bag in Idaho.

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.

Notes on Pacific NW Water Supply Fall meeting at Boise State University … 11/4/25

Autumn weather in Cortez and Montezuma County has been lovely so far, but of course there is a down side – a lack of precipitation.

Notes on Pacific NW Water Supply Fall meeting at Boise State University.

La Nina has arrived and that means a winter with probably a little more precipitation and a bit cooler than average.

The Justice Department wants Colorado's voting records. We ask the Secretary of State and the head of Colorado's County Clerks about the request and the reasons. Then, a new way to measure snowpack from the air could help waters planners make sure there's enough to go around. Plus, the debate over the sale of federal public lands, how the land is managed, and cuts to staffing. Also, Colorado Wonders about coal trains. And later, a whole bunch of Ryans will descend on Coors Field. 

Snowpack across Montana is well below normal for early June; Heat and drought are stressing Great Falls' aging trees; Flathead Lake managers say there's not enough water to fill the lake this year

This week on the News Now podcast, we break down a Flathead County murder trial verdict, a landmark tribal lawsuit against federal tariffs at the U.S.-Canada border, and promising updates on Montana's spring snowpack. Stay informed with the latest top stories from northwest Montana, reported by the Daily Inter Lake — the state's largest independent newsroom.Read more of this week's stories: Jackson acquitted of killing mom, guilty of murdering her boyfriend Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs Wet March delivers needed boost to Northwest Montana snowpack Read more local and state coverage: Cuts to federal humanities funds hit the Flathead Valley Potential buyers seek permit to operate historic Holland Lake Lodge Judge Dan Wilson launches new bid for Montana Supreme Court seat Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement #MontanaNews #FlatheadCounty #BlackfeetNation #MontanaSnowpack #DailyInterLake #CrimeNews #TribalRights #NorthwestMontana #PodcastNews #MontanaWeatherA big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town's business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

This week Foo talks about his 401k matching scenario. Foo looks for positivity in the snowpack while Gym is reeling at how good his yard looks. Foo says we're in Deep Bandini. Remember books with flowers in them, Foo does. Foo is gonna save the world with his new garden implementation. Gym struggles with keeping his pool clean. Foo cleans the NID water ditch with his Dad. Gym tries to go to the Hands Off protest but doesn't make it due to a Caddy issue which ends up being a bad coil pack. Foo brings out some Butterbeer Goldfish and they are polarizing. Gym has an idea to make a difference in today's climate.  Plus more!

Although high-country reservoirs are full and spilling over, that water will not make it to foothill reservoirs like Scotts Flat and Rollins due to PG&E's ongoing repairs of the Spaulding 1 and Spaulding 2 powerhouses.

The Central Sierra Snow Lab joins us with the latest on California's snowpack. Also, a conversation with Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. Finally, a Sac State professor's documentary was selected for Sundance and SXSW. California Snowpack Update

Robby hosts RokStaffer Josh Boyd for a Western States Winter Update.  Josh is a professional Hydrologist and keeps a close eye on snowpack across the West. He's a frequent guest on the Rokcast because he is a great resource when determining how the weather affects our big game animals, especially mule deer. Today, Josh will be giving a West-wide Snowpack update and talk about other water issues like Snow Water Equivalent, Soil Moisture vs. the Drought Monitor, a dying La Nina and more. Please welcome Josh back to the Rokcast for your Western States Winter Update See snowpack map here: Snowpack and Precipitation Index Maps | Natural Resources Conservation Service Snowpack Maps (usda.gov) Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Active NorCal's Zach O'Brien and Brien O'Brien (BOB) dive deep on the California water wars, including President Trump's recent acts, Gavin Newsom's executive order, Lake Oroville using its spillway, and farmers versus environmentalists.Then, they break down the news of the week including the trail down to Burney Falls reopening, Homewood Mountain Resort's plan to reopen for skiing, California snowpack dwindling after dry January, and divers removing 1,500 pounds of trash out of Donner Lake.Finally, Zach sits down with Ryan Meinzer from FlyTahoe to talk about plans to bring an electric flying ferry to Lake Tahoe. They discuss the environmental implications, convenience for visitors and residents of Tahoe, and challenges in bringing the revolutionary transportation to the U.S. for the first time.

It's been a very good year to be a skier in Oregon. With snowpack at great levels as we near mid-winter, snow sports enthusiasts have been flocking to Oregon's tallest mountain to take full advantage. On this week's episode of Peak Northwest, we talk all about skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, from the best places to rent gear, to navigating the sweeping terrain on the side of the mountain. Here are some highlights from this week's show: The best gear rental spots are found just off the mountain. What's the deal with all the ski areas on Mt. Hood? Preparing yourself for a day on the mountain. How Northwest skiing compares to the Rockies. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://coloradosun.com/2025/01/14/colorado-snowpack-2024-high-temperatures/ Today – Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane and Fresh Water News editor Jerd Smith talk about the current snowpack in Colorado and how we share our water to 19 states. https://friendsofchambermusic.com/ Promo code: FCM30CSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydnie Wells, Jack Orlandi, and Luke Corniea from Barstool Outdoors join host Matt Harrison to share their exciting waterfowl hunts on the Great Salt Lake. From airboat rides to coffin blinds and black silhouettes, they dive into the unique experience of this incredible region. Midway through the episode, biologist Coryna Hebert and Dr. Mike Brasher provide expert conservation insights, including discussions about declining water levels of the Great Salt Lake and how DU is mobilizing millions of dollars to ensure the future health of this landscape for waterfowl, hunters, and other people.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has a new plan to get more unhoused veterans into housing fast. California's snowpack so far this year is ten percent below average. We look at ahead in the world of Hollywood with Reuters reporter Dawn Chmielewski. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com