This measure updates and extends the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program. It changes program language to emphasize development and use of technologies that combine snowpack measurement with modeling. The measure adds specific technologies to the program list, including imaging spectroscopy, machine learning, and integrated snowpack and hydrologic modeling. It also changes reporting and program focus language and updates which agencies are named in program text.
Key changes in the text include: adding integrated modeling to program goals; replacing an earlier report requirement; expanding the list of measurement and modeling technologies; inserting the Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration into a paragraph; shifting program focus toward multi-basin and multi-State water forecasting and partner capacity building; updating required content for program reports; and setting funding at $6,500,000 each fiscal year for 2027–2031.
If you work on water supply, reservoir operations, or river basin planning, the program will emphasize tools that combine new measurements and computer models to forecast snowmelt and water supply. The program will focus on places where forecasts can help decisions across multiple water users, basins, or States. The measure also directs attention to training and capacity building so partners can use new measurement and forecasting tools.
If you are not involved in water management or research, this measure changes how a federal program develops and shares snowpack and water supply forecast data but does not directly change local rules or operations by itself.
The text replaces a prior aggregate amount of $15,000,000 for fiscal years 2022–2026 with an annual amount of $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. No publicly available information on total program cost beyond these specified annual amounts.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.