Measuring Snow for Spring Water Supplies

The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service collects snowpack data through Snotel sites in western states. This data, including snow water equivalent and air temperature, helps predict spring runoff. Snotel technicians undergo special training for accurate and safe data collection, including avalanche awareness and survival techniques. There are 858 Snotel stations across 13 western states, including Alaska.

What is the purpose of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in relation to snowpacks?

What data is collected by the snow telemetry sites?

What kind of training do snotel technicians undergo?

What are some of the survival techniques taught during the training?

How many snotel stations are there in the Western states, including Alaska?