Keeping Tabs on Snow: How New Tech is Helping Colorado Track Water

Colorado is enhancing its snow and water monitoring capabilities with a new bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Hurd and Rep. Joe Neguse. The 2025 Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act has passed the House and is now moving to the Senate.

The Importance of Accurate Data

Both lawmakers emphasize the critical role of accurate snowpack data for managing water resources in the West. This data is essential for:

• Irrigation
• Drought management
• Water allocation

Modern Technologies

The bill introduces advanced technologies like:

• Satellite imagery
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR uses light beams to create 3-D models of the landscape, providing more accurate measurements of snowpack depth. This data is crucial for runoff forecasting and water management.

The Current System

Colorado's current snowpack monitoring system dates back to the 1960s and relies on SNOTEL sites with pressure-sensitive pillows and sensors. While Colorado has over 100 of these sites, the new technologies promise a more accurate and cohesive approach.

Growing Interest

Water entities like Denver Water and the Colorado River Water Conservation District have already partnered with LiDAR providers, showing the growing interest in this technology.