The depth of snow pack is an important metric for scientists studying water processes, the weather, and climate. The interaction of snow with the surrounding terrain, such as forests, can have complex effects on an ecosystem. Measurements of snow depth also provide a gauge of the potential for water runoff, which could cause floods or provide necessary drinking and irrigation water for communities downstream.

Overall distributions of snow and ice on Earth have been shrinking due to rising global air temperatures, and snow depth measurements can help scientists understand how this is unfolding. On shorter time scales, measurements of snow depth after a snowstorm help researchers and civic leaders assess the impact of these events.

NASA collects data from satellite, airborne, and in situ observatories to aid the study of snow depth. Data products include sea ice and snow thickness grids, snow pit measurements, and land ice surface diagnostics.