A new study from Western Colorado University reveals a strong link between low snowpack years and severe wildfires in Colorado. Led by Jared Balik, the research shows that winters with less snow lead to fire seasons with larger, high-severity burns. These fires destroy trees and seed sources, impeding forest regeneration and potentially converting forests into grasslands or shrublands. This transformation reduces carbon dioxide storage and increases the risk of future fires, creating a detrimental cycle.