indicator of water supply than snowpack depth (which is what skiers are interested in). You’re looking at two very different measurements. Snowbird resort is measuring 27” of snow depth accumulated in the last 48 hours at their base. NRCS is reporting 17” of liquid precipitation (how much water is in the snow accounting for density) since October 1st. Take all the snow accumulated at the site since October and melt it in a pot, stick a ruler in it and the resulting depth is the SWE.

NRCS SNOTEL sites are very accurate, and the data system and it’s rapid access to the public is phenomenal. There is some variability from site to site based on elevation, drifting, etc, although sites are selected to give the best median measurement possible. I know of nothing else like it from any government or private entity. It’s the gold standard.