Mapping Mountain Snowpacks

“Mapping Mountain Snowpacks”
Dr. Jeff Deems, Research Scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado & Co-Founder, Airborne Snow Observatories, Inc.

Mountain snow is the source of the great majority of our water supply in the western U.S. Water management currently relies on measurements at a small number of point locations or manual surveys, providing only a limited snapshot of snow conditions and preventing adaptation of forecasts and water management to changing snow conditions. A new technology is being applied: the Airborne Snow Observatory’s airborne laser scanner can map snow across the entire watershed, ushering in the next generation of water management. This presentation will introduce this new airborne science capability by showcasing high-resolution snow data from local and regional watersheds.

Dr. Deems was drawn to snow science through his love of backcountry skiing. His research interests include observing and investigating the dynamics of mountain snowpacks, snowmelt, and avalanches through field research, remote sensing, and computer modeling.

What is Wild Perspectives?

ACES’ brand new Wild Perspectives speaker series features exciting accounts of world travel, adventure, and the natural world through stories and visual media in partnership with The Collective and the Town of Snowmass.

From January through March, this speaker series takes place every Tuesday evening at 6PM at The Collective, providing an opportunity for community-building and story-telling that engages Aspen and Snowmass locals and visitors alike.