Explore the ecological impacts of early snowmelt in this 47-minute press conference from the AGU Fall Meeting 2012. Delve into the unusual winter of 2011-2012 in the Rocky Mountains, where record-early snowmelt disrupted plant and animal life cycles. Learn from National Science Foundation-funded scientists as they present new observations on the consequences of early snow disappearance for alpine ecosystems. Gain insights from experts including Heidi Steltzer, David Inouye, and Anjuli S. Bamzai as they discuss the cascading effects on plant growth, frost damage, and animal species. Understand the broader implications of changing winter patterns for mountain environments and ecosystems.