This week, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to support advanced data collection in western watersheds where snowpack drives water supply availability. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement:

“H.R. 3857 will promote the use of emerging technologies to increase accuracy in measuring mountain snowpack, a vital source of freshwater for many states. I commend Rep. Hurd for his commitment to ensure that America has accurate information on freshwater sources."

Background

H.R. 3857, the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), reauthorizes snow observation programs that inform water forecasting and drought-preparedness decisions.