frost damage

Spring in the Rockies begins when the snowpack melts. But with the advent of global climate change, the snow is gone sooner.

Some of the region's wildflowers are blooming less because of it. Three flowers found in the Rockies are far more susceptible to late frost damage when the snow melts more quickly.

Damage to plants from a freeze that occurred across much of the Eastern United States in April 2007 was made worse because it had been preceded by two weeks of unusual warmth.

More freeze and thaw fluctuations are possible in future winters as a result of global warming, and rising carbon dioxide levels increase the susceptibility of some plants.

The 2007 event could be a scenario for an effect of future climate change.