Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program FY 2026

The Bureau of Reclamation"s Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program aims to improve the skill of water supply forecasts by enhancing snow monitoring using emerging technologies to complement existing monitoring techniques and networks.

This program was authorized in December 2020 by P.L. 116-260, Sec. 1111.This NOFO invites proposals from eligible applicants to conduct aerial LiDAR snow surveys to improve water supply forecasting.

Strong applications should include partnerships with water management and forecasting agencies to share knowledge, use data in forecasts, and assess the usefulness of information for water management decisions.

This initiative supports the Bureau of Reclamation's mission to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public by providing water managers with enhanced estimates of future water availability.The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).