Snowpack forms from layers of
snow that accumulate in geographic regions and high
altitudes where the
climate includes cold weather for extended periods during the year. Snowpacks are an important water resource that feed
streams and
rivers as they
melt. Therefore, snowpacks are both the drinking water source for many communities and a potential source of
flooding (in case of sudden melting). Snowpacks also contribute mass to glaciers in their
accumulation zone.