Water availability and quality play a significant role in managing healthy turf. In many areas of the West, the mountain snowpack is a major source of that water. The snowpack above the horizon acts like a buffer during dry spells, providing fresh water that may travel hundreds of miles before reaching the end user. Tracking snowfall and accumulation through the winter provides information about water availability in the following months.  

To take advantage of snowpack data, first identify the source, or sources, for the water that feeds your course. Step two is to monitor that flow with accurate data. Sites like the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provide up-to-date snow water equivalent and snow depth maps. These reports have information for each state and Canadian province, narrowing down to specific regions with individual station data. This information is an important tool for preparing your course and setting expectations for the season ahead. Inform golfers and leadership early if the snowpack is at risk of contributing to water shortages later in the year. Taking extra steps like developing a drought emergency plan going in, and having a recovery plan if drought occurs, will set you up to weather the worst.