Ag Weekly Online: Twin Falls, Idaho

BOISE, Idaho - Less snow overall, but bigger piles of snow when it does fall - and the timing of that big snow may not follow historic trends. That's a snapshot of the unusual winter weather hitting parts of Idaho and other northern states, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

NWF climate scientist Dr. Amanda Staudt, the report author, says global warming is part of the reason behind the changes, and communities need to take the new trends into account when planning for snow and ice removal, flood management, tourism and wildlife habitat protection.

"This more variable winter weather will have all sorts of impacts on our communities, on wildlife and nature, and on various outdoor recreation activities that we enjoy."

Explanations for wacky weather can get complicated. A report in the journal Science this week explains that water vapor in the atmosphere plays a role in global warming. It may intensify, or sometimes moderate, the heating effects of carbon pollution. Staudt says El Nino is another factor that scientists are investigating.

"If you go back and look at the data over the last century, we haven't seen any trend in our El Ninos, we haven't seen a big change in them. Right now, the science is out on that question and it's an area where people are actively looking."

Staudt says the analysis of weather trends underscores the importance of cutting carbon pollution that has been connected to warmer global temperatures. According to NASA, 2009 is the second-warmest year on record for the world.