Mountain Plants Sprout Earlier as Snowmelt and Warming Accelerate

Plants in alpine regions are beginning to grow significantly earlier than they did just a few decades ago, according to a new study led by Michael Zehnder of the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF). Published in Global Change Biology, the study reveals that vegetation now begins sprouting an average of six days earlier than it did 25 years ago.

The primary driver behind this shift is a substantial rise in temperatures following snowmelt. “Due to climate change, the average temperature after snow cover disappears is now nearly two degrees Celsius higher than it was a quarter-century ago,” Zehnder explained. This increase has shortened the interval between snow disappearance and the greening of alpine meadows.

This shift is not only ecological but also has societal and economic implications. The earlier arrival of spring may influence tourism patterns and advance the start of alpine farming activities. However, the accelerated season also brings changes in biodiversity. Not all plants respond to snowmelt in the same way—some wait for longer daylight hours, while others react immediately to warmth.

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Zehnder’s research, which focused on areas near the treeline at roughly 2,000 meters, found that in years with earlier snowmelt, vegetation in these regions required more accumulated warm days to begin growing. At even higher elevations, many alpine species delay growth despite sufficient warmth, as they rely more heavily on photoperiod cues. Yet, regardless of snowmelt timing, plant communities at these elevations generally begin growth after a consistent number of warm days.

As snow continues to melt earlier and temperatures climb, plant communities are expected to shift. Species responsive to warmth may outcompete those that rely strictly on day length to trigger growth, altering the makeup of alpine ecosystems.

“Climate change is reshaping mountain ecosystems,” said Zehnder.

The study used data collected from 40 weather stations in the Intercantonal Measurement and Information System (IMIS), which use ultrasonic sensors to track snow depth and vegetation. These sensors, combined with a machine learning model, allowed Zehnder to detect when snowmelt occurred and when plants began to grow—without needing constant field presence. However, to identify specific plant types, Zehnder conducted on-site surveys at elevations between 1,700 and 2,700 meters.
By analyzing data from 1998 to 2023, the study paints a clear picture: earlier snowmelt, warmer temperatures, and shifting plant behavior will continue to alter mountain landscapes. “Understanding how different plant communities respond to these changes is essential to predict which species will thrive and which may decline,” Zehnder emphasized.