Metro Vancouver has been researching and testing new technologies to enhance snow measurement analysis, allowing us to better predict regional drinking water supply.
Metro Vancouver has long used methods such as manual snow measurement and automated weather stations that collect snow and weather data. In an effort to make snowpack analysis more accurate, Metro Vancouver has been testing new methods since 2019, including aerial light detection and ranging, remotely piloted aerial systems, and satellite.
The snowpack acts as a fourth source of water for the region, and monitoring it is important so Metro Vancouver can anticipate how much water will be available for the drier and warmer months of the year. Snowpack monitoring is also important for wildfire management as well as understanding and planning for the impacts of climate change.
According to recent analysis, this year started with above average snow conditions, but relatively mild weather in January and February slowed snow accumulation.
