Water is critical for life. And yet, more isn't always better.

Accurate predictions of the timing and amount of precipitation — from flash floods to months-long droughts to large-scale shifts in storm tracks over the next century — can save money and lives and help water managers, cities, and farmers better plan for the future.

NSF NCAR’s specialized observations and computer models accurately measure snowpack needed for water supplies, predict streamflow and reservoir levels months in advance, guide long-term decisions about increasing reservoir capacity, assess the safety of aging dams, and help officials keep residents safe from contaminated water. An interdisciplinary team of researchers translates weather forecasts into on-the-ground water impacts,  providing essential information for decision-makers.