Measuring the water content in snow has always been a challenge, with traditional methods relying on satellite imagery or ground surveys. Enter NASA’s advanced airborne sensors: using lidar and imaging spectrometers, this technology creates detailed 3D maps of snow depth and reflectivity. These tools provide unparalleled accuracy, ensuring better predictions of snowmelt - a vital resource for over 1.5 billion people globally.

Originally developed to study icy terrains on other planets, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) adapted this technology for Earth-based applications. By tracking changes in snowpack over time, the system helps scientists predict water availability with precision. This is critical for areas dependent on snowmelt for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower, especially in the face of unpredictable climate patterns.

Tom Painter, a former lead scientist at JPL, co-founded Airborne Snow Observatories Inc. (ASO) in 2019 to commercialize this technology. ASO provides real-time snowpack data to farmers, municipalities, and utility companies. With these insights, stakeholders can make informed decisions about water distribution, flood prevention, and drought management, helping communities adapt to shifting environmental conditions.

Snowmelt accounts for a significant portion of freshwater supplies worldwide, but changing weather patterns make it harder to predict. NASA’s airborne technology not only closes this knowledge gap but also equips decision-makers with the tools they need to plan ahead. This innovation ensures smarter resource management and supports sustainability efforts in regions most vulnerable to water scarcity.