Who Needs the Snow Survey Data and Forecasts?

Reservoir Operation Agencies

DWR State Water Project, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineerings (USACE), and local agencies operate reservoirs and need to know how much water can safely be stored.

State Agencies

Office of Emergency Services and the State Water Resources Control Board and other State Agencies in responding to drought or flood emergencies.

Utility Companies

Public and private utilities the generate electricity with hydropower. Good water years enable the utilities to generate more electricity using hydro power than from carbon-based sources. Dry water years have the opposite effect.

Water District Logistics

Local water districts use the forecasts to manage surface and groundwater storage, plan water deliveries, and coordinate conjunctive use operations.

Agricultural Workers

Agricultural interests use the information to determine crop planting patterns, ground water pumping needs, and irrigation schedules.

Municipalities

Municipalities use the information to evaluate their water supply and determine whether water rationing may be needed in dry years.

The Media

The news media follows forecasts to inform the general public.

Financial Institutions

Banks and insurance companies use the forecasts to evaluate risk.

Recreational Companies

Recreationists use the water conditions information to determine ski conditions in winter and rafting and hiking conditions year-round. Anglers and hunters also utilize water forecasts.

Research Institutes and Historical Societies

Researchers use historical and current data to improve snow melt runoff forecasting methods, perform climate change analyses, and conduct ecological studies.