El Nino is a climate pattern that occurs every 2 to 7 years, not a single weather event like snow or rain. It refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean which shifts global atmospheric circulation and alters the path of the jet stream, a fast moving current of wind that acts as a highway for storms. These changes can affect weather around the world, even causing major precipitation events like hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, storms, droughts, and changes in seasonal weather patterns.
In Colorado, the effects of El Nino have been split between the north and south, almost cutting the state in half horizontally with ski resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain along the dividing line. Southern Colorado tends to receive more precipitation like flooding, massive amounts of snow, and lots of rain. However, in Northern Colorado, there’s often below average snow and precipitation with drier and more mild seasons.
Since Littleton is located in the northern half of the state along the Front Range, students may notice some of these drier conditions during El Nino years firsthand.
“I’ve been experiencing a lot of problems with the drier weather lately. ” Said sophomore Sarah Almina “I feel like I’ve had really dry skin. I’m really sad because there’s been no snow.” added Alnima
During El Nino years, winters can be warmer than usual, meaning fewer snow days and less ate starts as a result of the severe weather. While many students might enjoy avoiding ice roads or shoveling snow, the lack of snowpack may create problems for Colorado’s water supply.
The reduced snow in Northern Colorado means that there is less water stored in the mountains to melt during the spring and summer. Because a lot of Colorado’s water comes from mountain snow, lower snowpack levels can contribute to drought conditions and put stress on local water resources.
El Nino can also affect students outside of school activities. Skiers and snowboarders might notice different conditions on the mountains according to which side of Colorado their resort is on.
As sophomore Dre Bartek remarked, “I miss the snow when I’m skiing. I miss my classic winter skiing with my family.”
Students involved in outdoor sports may also experience warmer practices and competitions during the winter months.
Even though El Nino began thousands of miles away in the Pacific Ocean, its effects can reach communities like Littleton. From changing winter weather to influencing water supplies and outdoor activities, this global climate pattern has local impacts that students notice every year it occurs.
