Across the nation, the winter season brings a dynamic interplay between snowfall, avalanche conditions, reservoir levels, and streamflows, impacting a variety of activities from outdoor recreation to water management.

Snowfall has been significant in regions such as Idaho and Washington, with the Crater Meadows in Idaho reporting 11 inches of new snow and a base depth of 61 inches, under a forecast of heavy snow transitioning to lighter snow. Similarly, Bumping Ridge in Washington has seen 7 inches of new snow with a base of 35 inches, with the weather shifting from partly sunny to rain. These fresh snowfalls contribute to the winter sports conditions but also elevate avalanche risks, which require careful assessment by visitors and locals. Avalanche warnings range from low to considerable danger, with the highest risks reported in areas like Turnagain Pass, Alaska, where travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Reservoir and dam levels show a range of measurements, with some sites like Lake Winnipesaukee at Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, currently at 3 feet against an average of 3.77 feet, suggesting below-average water levels. In contrast, others like Maurice R at Union Lake Dam at Millville, New Jersey, report a current streamflow of 192 ft³/s, which is significantly below its average of 296.72 ft³/s, indicating potential concerns for water supply and management. Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall forecasts promise to replenish the water sources eventually but also pose immediate flooding threats, necessitating a careful watch on snowmelt and runoff rates as the season progresses. Read more