How Can Technology Be Used to Estimate Snow Cover Around the U.S.?

FEBRUARY 2021

This interactive data visualization, presented by EcoWest, displays data from the National Weather Service's National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC) SNOw Data Assimilation System (SNODAS). This system provides estimates of possible snow cover throughout the U.S., as well as previous data of snow cover dating back to 2003. The data can be explored day by day in every location in the U.S. 

The interactive data visualization can be accessed using the following link: http://vis.ecowest.org/interactive/snow.php?h=0

Click on your state on the map to explore the snowpack trend. Use the slider at the bottom to view the map over time for your state day by day. Are there any trends that you notice? Are there any dates or years where there was more or less snow than predicted? Why do you think that may be?

Students

  1. After viewing the map above, think about these three questions:
    • What do you notice?
    • What do you wonder? What are you curious about that comes from what you notice in the map?
    • What might be going on in this graph? Write a catchy headline that captures the main idea. If your headline makes a claim, write what you noticed that supports your claim.
    The questions are intended to build on one another, so try to answer them in order. Start with “I notice,” then “I wonder,” and end with “The story this map is telling is ….” and a catchy headline.
  2. Next, join the conversation by adding to the discussion below. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)
  3. After you have posted, read what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting a comment. Use the “Reply” button to address another student directly.
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