Flathead residents may be tired of snow today and ready for spring. But the trend of warmer winters is projected to accelerate, and that means the snow in our future depends on what we all do now. That will be the focus of a film screening and panel discussion on Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Dr. Anne Nolin, one of the nation’s top experts on what climate change means for the future of snow, is featured in the film. She will join a panel discussion after the screening to share her recent research.
Saving Snow is a 53-minute documentary about the impact of climate change on our winters. The film focuses on people coming to terms with these changes. But it also presents solutions and highlights individuals and organizations who are working to reduce their communities’ impacts on the environment and raise awareness of the need for action.
“I grew up skiing in Whitefish, and I want to make sure we have plenty of snow in our future for my daughter who also loves to ski,” said Tori Marcial, president of 350 Glacier, a local group that advocates for climate solutions.
Following the film, a panel will discuss their experiences, the science and what we can do to save winters for our children and grandchildren.
Dr. Nolin, a climate scientist at Oregon State University is featured in the film and will be one of the panelists in Whitefish. The Flathead will experience warmer winters in the future, she says. “We’ve been in a weak La Niña weather pattern this winter, which can mean more snow in Montana. Future winters in western Montana will see ups and downs in the amount of snow but the overall warming trend will continue with more winter rainfall, less snow, and earlier snowmelt. How much warmer depends on how quickly we reduce fossil fuel emissions.”
Panelists following the film include:
- Brett Cease, Nordic ski racer (appears in film)
- Anne Nolin, Oregon State University hydroclimatologist (appears in film)
- Dave Hadden, North Shore Nordic Club
- Greg Fortin, Glacier Adventure Guides
- Mariah Gladstone, Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee
Admission is free and refreshments will be available. Sponsored by 350 Glacier, Climate Smart Glacier Country, National Parks Conservation Association, and the Flathead Valley Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.