Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Reauthorization: New Technologies and Funding
This Act reauthorizes and modernizes the federal program for forecasting water resources from snow, which is crucial for water management in regions relying on snowmelt. It introduces new technologies, such as machine learning and integrated modeling, to make forecasts more accurate and timely. Better forecasts will help farmers, cities, and businesses plan water usage, minimizing the risk of droughts and floods.
Key points
The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program is reauthorized and funded at $6.5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Mandates the integration of advanced technologies, including imaging spectroscopy, machine learning, and integrated snowpack and hydrologic modeling, to improve forecast accuracy.
The program will focus on river basins where forecasts can inform water management decisions across multiple users, basins, or States, including interstate water management.
Removes the requirement for certain reports, streamlining the program's operations and allowing for faster deployment of new measurement methods.
Introduced
Citizen Poll