Recent federal staffing cuts to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) could have widespread implications on organizations like the Central Oregon Avalanche Center. The NRCS provides crucial data on snowpack conditions and avalanche risks through SNOTEL measurements, including snow depth, water content, temperatures, and precipitation. Lead Forecaster Gabriel Coler expressed concerns about the accuracy of avalanche forecasts due to the reduction in NRCS staffing.
In addition to avalanche forecasting, the NRCS data is also essential for making water supply forecasts in regions like Central Oregon. Professor David Hill from Oregon State University highlighted the importance of this data for managing water resources for municipal and agricultural use in a dry climate. With significant cuts to NRCS staff in Portland, there are fears that some sites may go unattended, compromising the quality of the data collected.
The staffing cuts extend beyond the NRCS, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also facing layoffs. Coler emphasized the reliance of the Central Oregon Avalanche Center on NOAA weather forecasts during snow events. Professor Hill stressed the critical role of NRCS and NOAA data in advancing scientific understanding and ensuring public safety.
Collaboration between NOAA and the National Weather Service is crucial for issuing weather alerts and forecasts. Local news outlets like KTVZ News work closely with NWS offices to provide weather updates to the community. However, recent declines in staffing levels at NOAA offices, including the one in Pendleton, raise concerns about the quality and timeliness of weather information provided to the public.
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