New technology helping to measure Arizona's snowpack

April 4, 2026 - 05:04

For the first time, researchers are employing advanced aerial technology to precisely measure Arizona's mountain snowpack, delivering crucial new data for managing the state's water supply. This high-flying mission is moving beyond traditional ground surveys to create a comprehensive picture of snow water equivalent—the amount of water stored in snow.

The innovative operation utilizes aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors, including LiDAR, which uses laser pulses to map snow depth with exceptional accuracy over vast and rugged terrain. This method captures data from entire watersheds, filling critical gaps left by stationary manual measurements. The detailed snapshots reveal not just depth, but the total volume of water held in snow reserves across the state.

This information is vital for Arizona’s water managers and forecasters. The snowpack in mountains like the San Francisco Peaks and the White Mountains acts as a natural reservoir, feeding rivers and replenishing groundwater as it melts. Accurate, basin-wide measurements allow for more reliable predictions of spring runoff, informing decisions for agriculture, municipal supply, and conservation throughout the coming year. In an era of prolonged drought and climate uncertainty, these aerial surveys represent a significant leap forward in securing Arizona's hydrological future.