California’s snowpack is melting faster and earlier than usual, driven by a recent heat wave and the long-term impacts of climate change.
The concern comes at a critical moment, as the state works to finalize the new environmental plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay. With extreme weather becoming more common, experts say that maintaining adequate water flows is essential to protect key species, ecosystems, and the communities that rely on these resources.
Morgen Snyder, Director of Policy and Programs at Restore the Delta, told ABC 7 that salmon, white sturgeon, and delta smelt are among the growing number of endangered species in the Delta. She emphasized the need for consistent, cold flows to support them. “Cold storage is going to be important to determine how we can adequately ensure flows to the system,” Snyder said. “And that is the really tricky part with this faster-than-usual snowmelt.”
Read more from ABC 7 here or watch the full story starting at minute 33:30 here.
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