IWRA Proceedings

< Return to abstract list

Snowpack Decline and Its Implications for Future Water Resources in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco under a High-Emission Climate Scenario

IWRA World Water Congress 2025 Marrakech Morocco
Water Security and Water-Related Risks
Author(s): Ouiaam Lahnik, Yves Tramblay, Lahoucine Hanich , Jafet C.M. Andersson, Redouane Lguensat, Kristina Isberg, Aicha Ben Ahmed, Joel Dahn, Benjamin Sultan

Ouiaam Lahnik 1, Yves Tramblay 2 , Lahoucine Hanich , Jafet C.M. Andersson 3, Redouane Lguensat 4, Kristina Isberg 3, Aicha Ben Ahmed 2, Joel Dahn 3, Benjamin Sultan 2

1. Laboratory of Georesources, Geoenvironment and Civil Engineering (L3G), Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.
2. Espace Dev (Univ. Montpellier, IRD), Montpellier, France.
3. Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), Norrköping, Sweden. Institut
4. Pierre-Simon Laplace, IRD, Paris, France


Oral: PDF

Abstract

Background and Motivation

In the Atlas Mountains, snow acts as a natural water reservoir. Climate warming threatens this regulation function. Snowmelt sustains streamflow during the dry season.


Objectives

• Quantify future changes in snowpack dynamics.

• Assess impacts on hydrological regimes.

• Identify implications for water-resource management.


Impllcations and Adaptations


Water Resources Management

•Reduced summer flows → need for adapted reservoir operation.

• Increased pressure on drinking water supply and irrigation.


Climate Adaptation Planning

Prioritize demand management and efficiency (agriculture, urban).

Integrate snow loss into long-term water strategies.


Hydropower and Energy

Decreasing and more variable inflows → reduced generation reliability.


Monitoring and Early Warning

Strengthen snow and climate monitoring networks.

Improve seasonal forecasting for drought preparedness.