Sierra Nevada snowmelt is vital for California. It provides drinking water for 30% of residents, irrigates key San Joaquin Valley crops, and powers hydroelectric plants supplying 15% of the state's electricity.

Scientists Martha Conklin and Tom Harmon (UC Merced) are researching at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory. They use wireless sensors to accurately measure snowpack and melt, enabling state water managers to make better allocation decisions for this precious resource.