The climate of the Mountain West region has been rapidly changing over the past 50 years, and model projections indicate continued warming, but they differ widely with regards to precipitation. All regions of the Mountain West are prone to extreme precipitation, which often leads to record streamflows, high snowpack variability, and avalanche risk. Given the region’s complex topography, flooding can be rapid, elevating hazards for communities and industry. Abnormally warm conditions can lead to thin snowpacks resulting in low streamflows required for hydroelectricity, ecosystem functioning and snow-based recreation. The broad objective of studying mountain climate and extremes will be to work with users to help them better prepare for climate futures and extreme events in the mountain west region.