On March 1st, 2023, California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency in 13 different counties due to a snowstorm that started on February 22nd.  

The snowstorm began in Mount Baldy, it has since released 106 inches of snow. California just experienced a record-breaking drought. This is California’s worst drought in the last 1200 years. 

Climate scientist, Daniel Swain, has said that this past decade has been one of the most extreme snow years for California. Most years barely have any snow. This snowstorm is way above the national average.

This storm caused an abundance of problems.  According to Poweroutage.us  70,000, people have been left without power with the majority being in North and Central California  

The snow has caused hundreds of people to be trapped in their homes. San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey says almost 100 rescues had been conducted.  Some officials have said it could take up to 10 days to shovel out all of the snow.

The phenomena California is currently experiencing can be attributed to a change in its climate. With warmer winters, there is less frequency of small snow events. When temperatures are higher, there is increased moisture in the air which allows stronger storms to build up. 

Boyertown itself has seen an average increase in temperature of 3.3°F since 1970, which is projected to increase over time.