The Water Information Program

Above-average snowpack in the mountains doesn’t necessarily translate into low wildfire danger, especially if forecasts for a warmer-than-normal spring and early summer hold true. Wildfire experts say the problem is the winter was short, which means the trees and plants absorbed less moisture than if the snow cover had been around longer. Because the snow arrived later, the trees, oak brush and grass haven’t had time to absorb enough moisture, Moore said. Longer winters, even when the snowpack is smaller, decrease fire danger because the vegetation draws in more moisture. 

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