- Utah launches airborne snow measurement project.
- Flights map snowpack in the Weber River Basin.
- Data will improve water supply forecasts.
- Effort supports drought planning and lake levels.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 — The Utah Division of Water Resources announced a new project called “Wings Over Weber
” to improve snowpack measurement in the Great Salt Lake Basin. The effort includes state agencies, the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office, with support from the Bureau of Reclamation.
How It Works.
The project uses Airborne Snow Observatories technology, developed with support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A plane equipped with specialized instruments flies over the watershed, measuring snow depth and the amount of water stored in the snow.
This information is used in computer models to estimate how much water will flow into rivers and reservoirs during spring runoff.
First Survey Completed.
The first aerial survey over the Weber River Basin was completed on March 8, 2026. A second flight is planned later in the season to track changes.
Compared to traditional ground measurements, these flights provide a more complete picture of snow conditions across the entire basin.
Why It Matters.
Snowpack is a key source of water in Utah. Better data helps water managers make decisions about reservoir releases, flood control, and drought response.
“This partnership represents a critical step forward in our efforts to understand and manage our snowpack,” said Joel Williams,director of the Utah Division of Water Resources on March 10, 2026.
Officials say the project will improve water forecasts and support efforts to manage Great Salt Lake levels in the years ahead.
