Utah launches Wings Over Weber project to enhance snowpack measurement with Airborne Snow Observatory

The recent Water Resources Board meeting held by the Utah Department of Natural Resources on May 15, 2025, focused on innovative approaches to measuring snowpack and its implications for water management in the state. The discussions highlighted the critical role of snow in Utah's water supply, with approximately 95% of the state's water sourced from snowpack.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) project, which utilizes advanced technology to measure snow water equivalent (SWE) more accurately than traditional methods. Historically, snow measurements relied on manual techniques such as snow tubes, which provided limited data. The ASO, developed from research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, employs aircraft equipped with scanning lidar and imaging spectrometers to gather detailed snowpack data from the air. This method allows for comprehensive coverage of large watersheds, providing data every three square meters, which is a substantial improvement over previous techniques.

The board discussed the Wings Over Weber project, a collaborative effort aimed at applying ASO technology to the Weber River drainage area. This project, which involves a 50% cost share with federal funding, aims to enhance understanding of snowpack dynamics and improve water management decisions in the Great Salt Lake Basin. The project timeline includes retrospective measurements for the current year and plans for real-time data collection in subsequent years.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of accurate snow forecasts for reservoir management. By understanding snowpack conditions, water managers can optimize storage and release strategies, reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring efficient water distribution to users.

As the board moves forward, they will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the ASO technology compared to traditional methods, considering the potential for future projects across the state. The discussions underscored the importance of adapting to changing water resource challenges in Utah, particularly as climate variability impacts snowpack and water availability. The board anticipates further developments in the coming years as they analyze the data collected from these innovative projects.