Snow water equivalent modeling, spatial harvest optimization, watershed water yield science, and post-fire recovery modeling — grounded in USDA ARS, Forest Service, and Biederman et al. research.
Current basin-wide SWE from the USDA NRCS SNOTEL telemetry network. Auto-populates the SWE Conservation calculator (SF14-S.001 swe-input) with regional average SWE so you can immediately run snowpack retention scenarios.
Source: USDA NRCS SNOTEL Network. Reference data (Feb 2026). Not endorsed by USDA.
NRCS seasonal streamflow volume forecasts derived from SNOTEL SWE and precipitation data. Provides water yield context for Model SF14-S.003 (Forest Thinning Water Yield) — compare projected streamflow to modeled yield increases.
Source: USDA NRCS Water Supply Forecasts. Reference data (Feb 2026). Not endorsed by USDA.
Regional benchmarks for spatial harvest design parameters from the Biederman Snowtography Network and USDA Forest Service research. Auto-populates the Spatial Harvest Design calculator (SF14-S.002) with latitude, typical tree height, and target density reduction for the selected region.
Source: Biederman et al., Snowtography Network, USDA ARS | USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station. Not endorsed by USDA.
Model SF14-S.001 · Biederman et al., Snowtography Network
Estimate retained snowpack water (SWE) under a forest patch-gap configuration. Accounts for canopy interception loss and shade-driven sublimation by aspect, based on Dr. Biederman's Snowtography methodology.
Model SF14-S.002 · Biederman Snowtography Research
Calculate optimal forest patch size and gap width for a thinning prescription to maximize snowpack conservation while meeting fire risk reduction goals.
Model SF14-S.003 · USDA ARS / Forest Service
Estimate downstream water yield increase from a forest thinning prescription. Accounts for reduced transpiration and improved snowmelt timing by forest type.
Model SF14-S.004 · USDA ARS Burned Area Research
Estimate flood risk, erosion potential, and sediment loading following high-severity wildfire. Accounts for hydrophobic soil layer formation documented in Dr. Biederman's research.
Grounded in Dr. Joel Biederman's Snowtography research at USDA ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, AZ, these calculators translate cutting-edge forest hydrology science into decision support for land managers, water utilities, and agricultural producers. Forested mountains supply water to over 50 million Americans — forest thinning, spatial harvest design, and wildfire risk management directly impact water supplies for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities throughout the American West.