Introduction to Seasonal Snow Observations, Modeling, and Analysis

This module will provide the learner with fundamental snow-hydrology terminalogy and the technical skills needed to conduct a seasonal snow analysis pursuant to water supply forecasting, covering snow terminology, snow observation systems, and snow modeling basics. Section 1 is an introduction to key snow terminology relevant to water supply forecasting. This section provides the foundation to work through the following sections and to successfully complete the module. Sections 2 focuses on snow observation systems from the USDA National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) SNOTEL network and spatial data products from the NASA Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) mission. Learners will undergo technical training on data retrieval, data processing, visualization, and analysis. Section 3 introduces the concept of a physically-based snow model, using NOAA's NWM NOAH-OWP-Modular as an example. The section will describe the fundamentals of the model including parameterizations, forcings, and outputs. The modeling section will conclude with technical training on data retrieval, data processing, visualization, and analysis. Section 4 is a comprehensive learning activity where the learner will apply the technical skills and knowledge gained throughout the module to evaluate the state-of-the-snowpack for the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir on the Tuolumne river in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a key water supply watershed for the greater San Franscico area.