Monitor snow because it is a vital source of water for ecosystems and people.
Snow cover is one of the most important resources for mountain regions, both economically and ecologically. Mountains act as natural reservoirs, collecting snow in winter and releasing it in spring when temperatures rise. Between 60 and 70% of water reserves come from the melting of snow, with high mountain regions being at the upper end of this range. Snow is a key water resource that provides water to farms, forests and communities. Knowing how much water will come from the snow on an annual basis is important for short and long term planning.
Water equivalent of snow (SWE) determines the amount of water contained in the snow cover, helping water managers and hydrologists to plan their water use.
