This recording captures the Feb. 21, 2024 Data Puzzle webinar focused on the Snow in the Rockies lesson in which students analyze snowfall and timing of snowmelt datasets from Colorado's East River Watershed and reflect on how changing snow conditions in Rocky Mountain watersheds like the East River Watershed might impact downstream water users (e.g., Colorado River water users). Please find the landing page and slide deck referred to in this recording below:

Declining water levels in two of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, provide visible evidence for the ongoing megadrought (a period of extreme dryness that lasts for decades) in the Colorado River Basin. Scientists studying weather and climate in this region are analyzing temperature and precipitation patterns over time to determine the root cause of the ongoing megadrought.

Discover the intricate web of climate, drought, and climate change in the Southwestern US in this engaging 25-minute talk and 20-minute LIVE Q&A. Our seasoned climatologist, Russ Schumacher, will explore Colorado's climate, the significance of mountain snowpack, and the path of water to rivers. Uncover key climate metrics like temperature and precipitation and their impact on water resources. Explore the diverse nature of drought, its definitions, and its evolving face under the influence of climate change.