Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)

Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) is a measure of the amount of water contained in snowpack. It represents how much water would result if the snow were melted. SWE is essential for understanding water resources, as it helps predict spring runoff, supports agriculture, and manages water supplies in regions dependent on snowmelt. It’s typically measured in millimeters or inches, indicating the depth of water that would be produced from melting the snow. Accurate SWE measurements are crucial for hydrologists and climate scientists, as they assess water availability and the impacts of climate change on snow patterns.