Wildfires are among the most economically costly natural disasters and are becoming more severe and frequent due to global warming. …One way to limit the risk and severity of wildfires is forest thinning, where foresters shred and mulch small trees, shrubs, and dense understory brush, create gaps between tree crowns, and remove those species least resistant to fire. …The researchers studied the effect of forest thinning on Cle Elum Ridge in the state of Washington. The area is a regional hotspot for wildfire risk reduction actions, as well as at high risk of drought. …The results showed that thinning led to a deeper snowpack in winter: The depth and storage of snow increased by 30% on north-facing slopes and 16% on south-facing slopes. …The authors counsel that recommendations for forest thinning, which typically focus on the more wildfire-prone southern slopes, should give equal attention to northern slopes to maximize the snowpack.