In mountain locations, rain tends to run off the ground and into rivers as it rains. This depends on the region, but happens often in Spring/Fall.

Snowmelt, when the weather warms gradually, will slowly melt. It will seep into cracks and replenish underground water sources. It will also slowly replenish rivers often into (and sometimes throughout) the Summer.

So, a gradual snowmelt helps with the water cycle.[1] If warm weather comes fast, then the benefits over rain are diminished. Then less desirable effects like flooding can happen.

[1]https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/sci...

Rain flows straight down river instead of melting slowly. January rain doesn’t water August gardens.