CASM in the News

Airborne Snow Observatories and the efforts by CASM to promote the expansion of flight coverage in Colorado have been featured in numerous media outlets.


Ripple Effect Episode 172: Colorado Airborne Snow Measurement Group

Page Weil and Erik Skeie join podcast host Emily Lewis to discuss Colorado and Utah ASO efforts.


Colorado Sun, April 18, 2024

Snow pillows and laser planes offer better data for Colorado water providers facing uncertainty. Colorado is heading into spring runoff season with average snowpack, but aerial data is providing a clearer picture of just how much water the state has in its mountains


Northern Water, August 17, 2021

Northern Water and Denver Water staff explain how airborne snow observatory (ASO) technology can provide extremely accurate and vital information to water providers and users, and how there's a collaborative effort underway to make ASO technology more available to a wide variety of entities throughout Colorado.


Denver Water, May 17, 2021

Measuring the snow below, from 20,000 feet: New generation of high-tech snow measurements feeds Denver area’s water supply models.

Denver Water, April 20, 2022

How much water is in the snow below? State grant expands high-tech airborne snow surveys to help manage Colorado’s water supply.


Associated Press, May 4, 2022

To refine water forecasts, Western cities map snow by plane.



Water Education Colorado, March 16, 2022

Counting every drop: Colorado approves $1.9M for high-tech snow, water measuring program.



9News, April 14, 2023

Airborne lasers measuring Colorado snowpack. Water districts in Colorado are using lidar instruments to measure snowpack by airplane.


Aspen Daily News, April 16, 2023

Airborne snowpack measurement hits the Roaring Fork Watershed


The Colorado Sun, May 9, 2023

Scientists are using lasers to uncover the secrets of Colorado’s snowpack. So what does it mean for your water supply? The technique offers highly accurate data, but creating a statewide, sustained program could be a challenge

Denver Water, May 18, 2023

Denver Water snowpack peaks below average. Planes and lasers help with decision-making on reservoirs and water restrictions.

Denver Water, May 18, 2023

Measuring snow with Airborne Snow Observatory. Denver Water and other water interests in Colorado are using a new way to measure snow and water content in the mountain snowpack. Learn about Airborne Snow Observatories in this video.



Aspen Daily News, April 18, 2024

Airborne survey indicates short runoff season. Aerial snow measurements in the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan watersheds indicate a short runoff season this year. 

Water Education Colorado, May 9, 2024

Colorado's annual snowpack is vital for the state's agricultural and municipal supplies and new ways of measuring it are constantly being developed. Aerial data provided by can help improve snowpack forecasts and water management decisions.