Scientists, engineers and technicians from 12 western states will meet at the Conference Center in Tahoe City today through Friday for training on snow sampling, avalanche recognition, outdoor emergency care and other skills.
Natural Resources Conservation Service staff from the Water Climate Center in Portland, Ore., will coordinate and conduct the school.
Snow surveys and water supply forecasting provide tools for conserving water. Seventy-five percent of the West's water comes from melting snow.
The conservation service has directed the federal-state-private cooperative snow survey and water supply forecasting program since 1935 to help water users obtain accurate water supply information.