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Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
The purpose of the program is to provide western states and Alaska with
information on future water supplies. NRCS field staff collect and analyze data
on depth and water equivalent of the snowpack at more than 1,200 mountain sites
and estimate annual water availability, spring runoff, and summer streamflows.
Individuals, organizations, and state and Federal agencies use these forecasts
for decisions relating to agricultural production, fish and wildlife management,
municipal and industrial water supply, urban development, flood control,
recreation power generation, and water quality management. The National Weather
Service includes the forecasts in their river forecasting function.
The objectives of the program are to:
- Provide water users with accurate forecasts of surface water
supply within the first 5 working days of each month, Jan.-June.
- Efficiently obtain, manage, and disseminate high quality
information on snow, water, climate, and hydrologic conditions.
- Develop and apply technology necessary to meet changing needs
of water users.
The program was a GPRA pilot project for performance measurement.
Additional Information
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