Unlocking the Secrets of Snow Measurement: Discover the Fascinating Work of Hidden Tahoe Lab Scientists | KQED

In 2025, scientists at the Central Sierra Snow Lab are engaged in a unique mission: discovering the secrets of snow. Andrew Schwartz, the lab’s director, humorously describes their work as “playing in the snow.”

This past January, 20 students from across the U.S. attended the Snow Science School at Tahoe. They arrived during a sunny dry spell. At Donner Summit, the snowpack was at 94% of the average for that time. Despite the current conditions, the Snow Lab, standing at over 6,700 feet, has a history of significant snowfall, making it an ideal spot for snow studies.

Schwartz recalls a remarkable winter in 2023, when they recorded 63 feet of snow, the second-highest amount on record for the lab. This heavy snowfall plays a vital role in California’s water supply as it melts in the spring.

Schwartz hopes the students leave with a deep appreciation for snow and its importance. “About two billion people depend on snowpack for water,” he shared. It’s easy to overlook this crucial resource.

The class included participants from the California Department of Water Resources, graduate students, researchers, teachers, and representatives from national parks and forests. The diverse backgrounds of the students highlight the many fields that snow science impacts. Preetika Kaur, a student from the University of Wyoming, remarked, “It’s a very close-knit community. I love meeting experts in the field.”

At the Snow Lab, the atmosphere is a blend of hard work and fun. The students had a lively first day, hiking to the Snow Lab and passing by a bright red snowcat, reminiscent of the vehicle from the film *The Shining*. The lab is not just a workspace; it has sleeping quarters for researchers, ensuring they’re prepared for intense weather conditions.

Inside, the lab buzzes with activity. Scientists work with a mix of modern technology and charming relics, like old photographs and tools saved from the past. There’s even a vintage oscilloscope that Schwartz enjoys tinkering with, even though its original purpose remains a mystery.

Students also explored the lab’s network of remote snow measurement equipment, which includes innovative tools like snow pillows and sensors in the nearby creek. These collect vital data on snowpack and its potential melting patterns. Schwartz emphasizes the value of traditional measurement methods, which involve going out into the snow with simple rulers, akin to a polar expedition on some days.

The lab’s data is vital not only for water resource planning in California but also for outdoor enthusiasts. California’s skiers and snowboarders keenly follow the Lab’s updates, eager for the latest snow conditions.

Understanding snow’s role in the water supply extends beyond depth measurements. The concept of snow water equivalent (SWE) is vital. This metric tells scientists how much water is stored in the snow, which is essential knowledge for managing California’s water supply.

Marianne Cowherd, a research associate and instructor, explains, “Most of our water falls as snow. It acts as a natural reservoir.” Recognizing how much water is available helps manage reservoirs and ensures enough supply during dry periods.

Students also learn how various factors influence when snow melts, including temperature and solar energy. Gaby May Lagunes, a graduate researcher, focuses on human impacts on the water cycle. This highlighted the importance of collaboration, as no one can grasp all aspects of this complex field alone.

When it came time for hands-on learning, students hiked to a remote area near Donner Summit. Dressed warmly, they dug snow pits to study the snow layers, essential for understanding snowpack dynamics. Schwartz described the depths they often work with, sometimes reaching 20 feet.

For modelers like Joe Amato, seeing snow science in action is invaluable. “It’s really beneficial to witness the processes firsthand,” he said, highlighting the need to bridge field observations with theoretical models.

In the snow pits, students measured snow temperatures and documented physical changes in the snow layers, much like analyzing tree rings. This exploration offers insight into snow’s history, showing how it transforms with changing weather.

Instructors emphasized the value of the Snow Lab’s nearly 150 years of data. Schwartz pointed out how changes in precipitation patterns signal the effects of climate change on snow. The data helps researchers anticipate significant weather shifts, especially in the Sierra mountains.

Ultimately, the Snow Science School fosters a sense of community among snow enthusiasts. As Micah Johnson, an instructor, quipped, “Snow people are fun, with everyone sharing a passion for the field.”