Utilization of remote sensing information for water resources management in the southwestern US

The unique hydrometeorologic conditions of the semi-arid southwestern U.S, together with the high population growth rates in the region continue to shape the nature of data and information required by the region's water resources management professionals. Because of the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of precipitation and snow in the region, accurate high-resolution precipitation and snow products, forecasts, and design data sets are needed to understand and predict the distribution of available water at various time scales. This need is amplified by the high rates of population growth, which places increasing stress on scarce water resources. Arguably, the economic return of timely hydrometeorologic information will only increase as such stress increases. This paper presents a conceptual framework for the production and dissemination of remote sensing based hydrologically relevant information in a manner consistent with the need of various stakeholders.