Millions of Americans depend on melted snow for fresh water. But as climate change raises winter temperatures, that water supply is diminishing. Scientists are testing a new NASA instrument, called SNOWWI, to help measure snowpack around the world.
Summer heat has significant effects in the mountainous regions of the western United States. Melted snow washes from snowy peaks into the rivers, reservoirs, and streams that supply millions of Americans with freshwater—as much as 75% of the annual freshwater supply for some states.But as climate change brings winter temperatures to new highs, these summer rushes of freshwater can sometimes slow to a trickle.