2026's historic snow drought is bad news for the West For much of the Western US, winter 2026 was the year snow never came.

2026's historic snow drought is bad news for the West #Science #EarthSciences #Climatology #SnowDrought #ClimateChange #WesternUS

arstechnica.com/science/2026/03/2026s-hi...

Record snow drought in Western US raises concern for spring water shortages, wildfires Except for California, most Western states are experiencing the worst snow drought in decades.

A record snow drought with unprecedented heat is hitting most of the American West, depleting future water supplies, making it more vulnerable to wildfires and hurting winter tourism and recreation. #snow #WesternUS #water #drought katu.com/news/local/r...

The Western United States Large Forest-Fire Stochastic Simulator (WULFFSS) 1.0: a monthly gridded forest-fire model using interpretable statistics Abstract. We developed the WULFFSS, a stochastic monthly gridded forest-fire model for the western United States (US). Operating at 12 km resolution, WULFFSS calculates monthly probabilities of fires ...

Our new manuscript by Park Williams et al. (2026) is now published:

"The Western United States Large Forest-Fire Stochastic Simulator (WULFFSS) 1.0: a monthly gridded forest-fire model using interpretable statistics": doi.org/10.5194/gmd-...
#westernUS #wildfire

Snow Drought Hits the Western United States, Worrying Experts About the Region's Water Supply Snow melt from the mountains provides up to 75 percent of the West's yearly water

Snow Drought Hits the Western United States, Worrying Experts About the Region's Water Supply: Snow melt from the mountains provides up to 75 percent of the West's yearly water @SmithsonianMag #SnowDrought #WaterSupply #WesternUS #ClimateChange #SnowMelt

Western US Wholesale Power Prices Rise Amid Pacific Northwest Rainfall and Stable Demand Wholesale power prices in the Western United States experienced upward pressure during a recent trading session, driven largely by significant rainfall across the Pacific Northwest and relatively stable electricity demand. Notably, on-peak power packages for December 9th delivery rose significantly at mid-Columbia trading locations, with prices increasing to $40.75/MWh for on-peak and $33.25/MWh for off-peak, while forecasts indicate continued price increases in California, the Southwest, and Arizona due to expected stable demand and increased wind power generation.

Western US Wholesale Power Prices Rise Amid Pacific Northwest Rainfall and Stable Demand #CAISO #PowerPrices #WesternUS #WeatherForecast #EnergyDemand #PacificNorthwest

Western US Power Prices Fall Ahead of Weekend Demand The Western US power markets experienced a decline in prices during the December 4th trading session as market participants anticipated weaker demand over the weekend and rising solar renewable supply. Forecasts indicated below-average temperatures in some areas, contributing to reduced power usage, while decreases in natural gas prices also put downward pressure on prices. As a result, prices fell across various regions, including significant drops in the Mid-Columbia area, where on-peak and off-peak packages settled near $30.50/MWh and $31.75/MWh, respectively.

Western US Power Prices Fall Ahead of Weekend Demand #CAISO #PowerPrices #WesternUS #EnergyMarket #NaturalGas #WeatherForecast

Western US power markets display contrasting trends leading up to Thanksgiving holiday. Western US power markets experienced contrasting trends in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, with on-peak electricity prices declining across multiple regions and off-peak prices showing resilience. On November 26, on-peak power prices fell by as much as 9% at the CAISO SP15 hub and 50 cents in Southwest markets, driven by anticipated water inflows into the Columbia Grand Coulee Dam and reduced peakload demand in certain areas. Meanwhile, off-peak markets remained stable or increased, with mid-Columbia rising to $54.75/MWh for delivery November 28-30, reflecting milder weather conditions and expected increases in renewable energy supply in the CAISO region.

Western US power markets display contrasting trends leading up to Thanksgiving holiday. #CAISO #PowerTrends #WesternUS #ThanksgivingHoliday #EnergyMarkets #WeatherForecast

Western US Power Markets Experience Sharp Price Movement Ahead of December Trading The Western US power markets experienced significant price fluctuations on November 26 as December trading commenced, driven by changes in demand and supply dynamics. In California, on-peak prices surged up to $47.75/MWh, a 37.50% increase from the previous day's rate, while renewable energy sources are expected to contribute significantly to supply, with CAISO forecasting a 6.4 GW increase in generation between November 29 and December 1. The region is also anticipating increased demand, particularly in California, which projects a 14.20% rise in peak load demand, reaching 26.47 GW during the same period, although other factors like weather conditions and water inflows are also expected to influence prices.

Western US Power Markets Experience Sharp Price Movement Ahead of December Trading #CAISO #USPowerPrices #WesternUS #EnergyMarket #RenewableEnergy #WeatherForecasting

Turquoise ocean on a sunny day with small waves, white froth, and charcoal-looking rocks, boulders, and sea stacks scattered in the water here and there.

Such a rare treat, a sunny calm day on the Pacific coast.
#TidesOutTuesday #seascape #BlueTue #TuesdayBlue #RockInTuesday #PacificOcean #PacificNorthWest #PNW #WesternUS #nature #photography #beautyintheworld

Western US Power Prices Experience Varied Movements Following Veterans Day Holiday The US power market exhibited varied movements on the Intercontinental Exchange following the Veterans Day holiday, with prices fluctuating across different regions. In the Northwest and Southwest, on-peak rates increased or decreased significantly, with Northwest's Northwest Mid Columbia dropping $4.25 to $41.50/MWh and Palo Verde's on-peak package rising by $2.50 to $42/MWh. Meanwhile, California's power market saw mixed results, with solar generation expected to surge from 23 GW to 73 GW on November 13, contributing to a decrease in the SP15 on-peak rate of roughly $3.25 to $43.75/MWh.

Western US Power Prices Experience Varied Movements Following Veterans Day Holiday #CAISO #PowerPrices #EnergyMarket #RenewableEnergy #ElectricityRates #WesternUS

California Paves Way for Regional Energy Market in Western US California has initiated a groundbreaking move to integrate its electricity distribution into a regional market, aiming to transform the Western United States' power grid and accelerate the adoption of clean energy sources. By broadening the reach of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the state seeks to create a unified grid that enables seamless exchange of electricity across state borders, optimizing renewable resource utilization and bolstering grid stability during extreme weather events, ultimately benefiting consumers with cost reductions and enhanced reliability.

California Paves Way for Regional Energy Market in Western US #CAISO #California #RenewableEnergy #RegionalMarket #GridStability #WesternUS

Impact of current and warmer climate conditions on snow cover loss in burned forests Wildfires are causing earlier snowmelt across the western US, and this effect would be exacerbated with projected warmer winters.

WILDFIRE: “In a postfire environment, burned vegetation and trees shed black carbon and charred woody debris onto the snow surface, decreasing the snow albedo With decreased albedo, the snowpack absorbs more energy and therefore melts earlier.”
#wildfire
#hydrology
#snowmelt
#fire
#WesternUS

The latest drought outlook shows worsening dry conditions across much of the Western U.S., fueling ongoing wildfire risks. With low soil moisture and hot, dry weather expected to persist, fire season remains a serious threat. #Drought2025 #WildfireRisk #WesternUS

Our August issue just dropped. ✨

Navajo sheep. Water-guzzling data centers. Indigenous radio at risk. Queer rivers. Final meals. First hotshots. Community care.

The stories the West needs. Read now: buff.ly/QX7h75X

#IndigenousHistory #EnvironmentalJustice #WesternUS

A black map of Oregon with a series of red patches denoting Red Flag Warnings (high wildfire danger) extending across the central part of Oregon from the northern border with Washington State, the southern border with California, and extending east to Idaho. Weather radar is also shown, a series of color gradient splotches that show active thunderstorms as of 1710 on July 1, 2025

There is an impressive amount of #RedFlagWarnings and #HeatAdvisories across the #WesternUS today coupled with dry thunderstorms.

https://www.weather.gov/translate/hazards.html

#wildfire #FireSeason2025

A grayscale map of Oregon in the USA, Dated July 1, 2025 showing many yellow and red icons that show that indicate a new fire that was reported in the last 24 hours as an emerging wildfire incident.

Very active day for fire in Oregon. Multiple dry lightning storms, high temps, winds, low humidity levels, and a rapidly intensifying drought have created dozens of new starts.

As of today, July 1st, ALL of Oregon is in fire season. Please skip the #fireworks this […]

[Original post on ai6yr.org]

Western US Power System Could Yield Significant Cost Savings Through Improved Regional Planning A recent study from UC San Diego highlights the substantial potential for cost savings in the Western US power system through improved regional planning. The research suggests that coordinated efforts across the 11 Western states could yield savings of approximately $3.25 billion by 2035. Currently, the region's power systems largely operate independently, limiting efficiency and increasing costs. A major impediment to these savings is the historical lack of coordinated planning among these states. Significant improvements can be realized through several key areas. Expanding reserve sharing, where states can pool resources during peak demand or emergencies, is a top priority. Enhanced transmission planning will be crucial for reducing bottlenecks and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, representing a significant opportunity for cost reduction. Aligning resource adequacy planning across state lines would strengthen grid reliability and lower overall costs. While a detailed breakdown of savings isn’t provided, transmission planning and reserve sharing are expected to be major contributors. The study proposes a phased approach to achieving these benefits, favoring voluntary collaboration among states rather than the creation of a full-scale Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), an option considered politically challenging. Encouraging voluntary cooperation, addressing regulatory limitations on cross-state collaboration, and supporting a flexible grid adaptable to evolving energy sources and demands are also essential steps. Removing obstacles to renewable energy integration will further accelerate adoption and lower costs. Recognizing the political landscape, the emphasis is on state-led initiatives to overcome regulatory hurdles and foster cooperation. The study underscores that action at the state level is paramount for achieving the desired improvements in regional power system planning and realizing the estimated $3.25 billion in savings.

Western US Power System Could Yield Significant Cost Savings Through Improved Regional Planning #CAISO #PowerSystem #RenewableEnergy #WesternUS #CostSavings #GridPlanning

Building Efficient Transmission Markets in the Western United States - Cozzy Energy Solutions Building Efficient Transmission Markets in the Western United States The western United States is facing a pressing challenge in its efforts to build efficient transmission markets that can optimize the use of available transmission capacity. A power industry expert has argued that the existing day-ahead market system is not sufficient to achieve this goal, highlighting

Building Efficient Transmission Markets in the Western United States #PJM #WesternUS #TransmissionEfficiency #NetworkDispatch #ElectricReliability #EnergyOptimization #GridModernization #EconomicDispatch

View of the mines on "The Richest Hill on Earth" - Butte, Montana ca. 1909.

#mining #westernhistory #westernUS #industrial #butte #montana #1900s #blackandwhite #b&w #blackandwhitephotography #historian #history #historybuff

Image: Three American bison graze in a field in Southwestern Wyoming. The bison are large, brown, and furry, with humped shoulders and short, curved horns. One bison is facing the camera and there are two more with their heads down, grazing. The field is dry and brown, with sparse vegetation. In the background, there is a fence, some utility poles, a brown hill, and a blue sky.]

I love to see these powerful animals roaming freely in Southwestern Wyoming.

#Buffalo #Bison #Wyoming #SouthwesternWyoming #Wildlife #Nature #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotography #AmericanWest #West #WesternUS #Majestic #Outdoors #Travel #Explore #Animal #Animals #Mammals #AmericanBison

This ca. 1880 photo is one of the earliest views of Telluride, Colorado. By 1890 this was one of the state's most important mining cities, and by 1900 one of the nation's top gold districts.

Credit: Western Mining History

#mining #westernUS #UShistory #industry #blackandwhite #telluride #Colorado

Me sitting on trunk of my car with broken rollator, spare tire, and detached bumper.

Sometimes you hit the road; sometimes the road hits you! Damage from #trip through the #westernUS

- Broken back on my #rollator; probably got too cold camping in the Badlands of SD

- Bumper came off in the deserts of NM

- Spare tire after flat on a busy highway at night in #Shamrock, TX

#travel

Check out @sarahkeyesphd.bsky.social's review of "American Burial Ground: A New History of the Overland Trail," published in 2024 by University of Pennsylvania Press; review now available on H-Net #envhist #envhum #westernUS #indigenous 🌵
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...