Cost/benefit analysis for the Operational Applications of Satellite Snowcover Observations (OASSO)

Abstract

The author has identified the following significant results. The total cost associated with satellite snow cover area measurement (SATSCAM) in the Colorado ASVT was $2,050 which equates to 0.22/sq km. When extrapolated to the 2,238,890 km area impacted by snow-survey forecasting in the Western United States, the total yearly cost of employing SATSCAM is approximately$493k. The estimated total benefits to hydroeletric energy production is $10m yearly, with the Pacific Northwest receiving the smallest benefits, and the Rio Grande region the highest. Irrigated agriculture receives a yearly total benefit of$38m, with the Lower Colorado region receiving the largest per acre benefit and the Pacific Northwest receiving the lowest