Did you know that you can record snow depth measurements, and those measurements can improve snowpack/hydrologic predictions? You can do this through Community Snow Observations (CSO), where you measure snow depth and report that measurement - anytime, anywhere.

What is CSO?

The Community Snow Observations (CSO) started in 2017 and is a community science project that encourages backcountry enthusiasts to record snow depth measurements.

Anyone can record snow depth to report a CSO observation, but specifically, we are interested in people who recreate in backcountry environments where observations do not commonly exist. These environments, which are often at high elevations, store the majority of our snow. When you recreate to find the best powder stash, we want to know how deep the stash (snowpack) is there! Don’t worry, this will not disclose your powder stashes.

CSO research findings have shown how your snow depth observations can improve snowpack prediction. Predicting an accurate snowpack means we can predict what happens to the snow when it melts, improving summer water prediction as well!

You can record a CSO observation anywhere around the world, and nearly 60,000 observations have been submitted from over 7,200 observers.

Map of CSO observations submitted since 2017 from around the world (Antarctica observations not shown).

How to Measure Snow? 

Submitting a CSO observation takes only a few minutes and can be done in two easy steps.

1. Prepare
   1. Find a good spot. Measure in a safe place, and in undisturbed snow without tree wells, ski tracks, etc.
   2. Launch the SnowScope app and allow your phone to find its position.
   3. Assemble your measuring device, commonly an avalanche probe.
2. Measure & record
   1. Find the ground. Push the probe firmly into the snow, down to the ground, to get through ice or dense snow layers. Measurement will be the number closest to the snow surface.
   2. Get an average. If possible, repeat 3-4 times in a small area and average those measurements using the calculator function on your phone.
   3. Record your observation on SnowScope.

Check out the one-minute video to see how it's done.

Research Project - CSO and OpenSnow

CSO currently has a research project (2025-2028) in three study areas of the Western US to test different approaches to predicting the most accurate snowpack. These study areas happen to be in three awesome areas to ski: Blue River (Colorado), Upper Deschutes (Oregon), and Tahoe (California/Nevada). If you are unfamiliar with these areas, check out the maps:

These three areas are important for water resources in the respective states, and your CSO observations can help improve snow/water prediction!

If you want to take a CSO observation in these areas, your local OpenSnow forecaster has the weather knowledge to let you know the weather and snow conditions to find the best powder.

• Colorado Daily Snow and Breckenridge Daily Snow
• Oregon Daily Snow
• Tahoe Daily Snow

Why is Snow Important?

Snow is an essential, life-sustaining part of the water cycle. When snow falls in the mountains, it forms a natural reservoir, storing water in the winter and then releasing it gradually through the summer melt season.

Mountain streams continue to flow throughout the dry summer months because they are usually fed by snow and ice stored high above during the previous winter. Everything living downstream of mountain snowpacks depends on water provided by melting snow.

• Salmon and trout are very sensitive to stream conditions that are directly controlled by water from melting snow.
• Many different plants thrive on the nutrients carried by snowmelt water.

Humans also rely on snowpacks for a variety of reasons (consumption, agriculture, energy, etc.). Snowpacks provide a slow release of water to refill streams, lakes, aquifers, and reservoirs. Snow helps sustain these critical freshwater sources during dry periods.

Your CSO snow depth observation helps us understand how much snow and water are in the mountains, which helps us predict when and how much snow will melt each spring and summer!

Final Thoughts

CSO is a community science project where you record snow depth measurements that help improve snowpack and water prediction. Remember... anytime, anywhere! Your snow depth measurement is important because snow is an essential part of the water cycle. CSO observations are easy and fun to submit using the SnowScope app.

• Sign up for CSO news.
• Check out CSO on Instagram.

Keep on the lookout for CSO announcements of contests to submit observations and win free swag, such as avalanche probes, apparel, ski straps, and more!

Thanks for reading. Get out and take a CSO observation.

Zach Butler