Water agencies like the Kings River Water Association rely on up-to-date airborne surveys of the Sierra snowpack to mitigate flood risks and estimate watershed yield that Valley communities, agencies and farmers depend on. But with the California budget crisis at hand, the state plans to slash funding for the Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) program, despite its clear benefits. Funding for ASO has been reduced in the state’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget — from $35 million down to just $4 million. Without stable investment, California risks losing one of its most effective climate adaptation and water management tools. says Kings River Assistant Watermaster Matt Meadows. As of now it looks like funding for only two flights in this water year will happen over the upper Kings River River watershed. Snowpack is California’s largest reservoir, providing up 75-80% of water for the state — and the ASO program is the only source to accurately determine the volume of water stored in that snowpack, says a letter to the governor.

Other snowpack and runoff news:

• Desert Research Institute: News release: Spring runoff is older than you think​