A snow measurement area at Molas Pass shows about eight inches of snow Nov. 11, 2012.
A snow measurement area at Molas Pass shows about eight inches of snow Nov. 11, 2012.JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald file photo

Reliance on partners is crucial because federal funding continues to be reduced, the agency said in a release.

The NRCS program allows the agency to provide Western states, including Alaska, with information on snow depth and water equivalent – readings necessary to forecast water availability, spring runoff and summer stream flows.

The NRCS records snow data at more than 950 sites in the country. The NRCS also has automated systems to collect snow data.

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