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Show 75 forecasting, and develop local and regional products designed to assist in water resource management The envisioned SCAN network, like the Cooperative Snow Survey and Water Supply forecasting Program, expects to partner with existing operational networks to enhance and integrate as many as 1,000 current soil moisture sites. This leveraging of other resources and technology will fill out the network to 2,000 SCAN sites with the 1,000 new NRCS installations envisioned. The SCAN network would provide comprehensive coverage across the United States to meet the demands for drought monitoring and water resource planning. Question 6. The Commission report also recommends that " appropriate federal agencies expand technology transfer of water conservation strategies and innovative water supply techniques as part of a drought preparedness program." What specific initiatives has your agency prepared to respond to this recommendation? The severe droughts of 2001 in the Pacific Northwest and exceptional droughts this year in the Intermountain- West and Southwest have generated a significant increase in user* based need for water supply" forecasts. The Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program has outlined a 5- point strategy to meet user- driven needs: • Expand low flow water supply forecasts for water- rights assessment during drought; • Expand peak flow forecasts for water management, energy load and endangered species act preservation; • Provide additional weekly seasonal forecasts that incorporate increased climate variability; • Develop and implement streamflow simulation modeling that optimizes local water management; and » Implement a consistent, Surface Water Supply Index to support State drought risk assessments and State- based decision processes. Drought is a complex, natural climatic event that causes billions of dollars in damage to the economy of the United States. It is more predictable in the Western United States because the vast majority of water comes from melting snowpack. Accurate assessments of winter snowpacks allow for seasonal water supply forecasts, which, in turn, allow for effective water resource management There are significant and inexpensive ways m which to improve water supply forecasting and also improve water resource management The benefits of additional sites and instrumentation to provide a more accurate assessment of snowpack and other hydroclimatic variables, such as soil moisture sensors, would far outweigh the costs to tlic public. NRCS has several initiatives to automate manual sites; add sensors; install additional sites; and upgrade, expand, and improve the critical products, data, and mfbrmatioa necessary for wise water management and drought risk assessment Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on this issue so important to water users nationwide. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, ~ PHILLIP J. NELSON State Conservationist |
