Combining weather radar with ground-based monitoring can effectively measure snow water equivalent at high resolution

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $1,003,256.99 Cooperative Agreement to Applied Research Team Inc. on January 4, 2024 under the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program (CFDA 15.078). This project aims to demonstrate how the combination of weather radar data and ground-based monitoring can effectively measure snow water equivalent (SWE) at high resolution. The project will focus on multiple headwater watersheds in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the Rio Grande River Basin, utilizing both federal and non-federal weather radar data. The goal is to improve the data available to water managers and forecasters by leveraging recent advancements in weather radar detection algorithms, particularly dual-polarization radar technology. Operational forecasting agencies and local water managers will participate in assessing the value of this technology for their applications.

Recent advancements in weather radar detection algorithms, particularly dual-polarization radar, present an opportunity to improve the data available to water managers and forecasters. This project focuses on multiple headwater watersheds in the upper colorado river basin and one in the RIO grande river basin to demonstrate the technology. Both federal and nonfederal weather radar data will be utilized. The increasing number of non-federal radars in the mountainous west further expands the potential benefits of radar based snow water equivalent quantification. Operational forecasting agencies and local water managers will participate in assessing the technology s value for their applications.