11.   Then, on Wednesday and Wednesday night, an additional two to three inches of rain soaked mountain snow packs, adding to the already weighty load.

12.   They documented soil erosion and surface flooding, noted seasonal changes in ocean currents that influence climate, and measured the water content of mountain snow packs.

13.   With the imagery, scientists are demonstrating they can assess crop density, forestation, soil erosion, rainfall and even the moisture content of mountainous snow packs.

14.   Temperatures rose to near freezing in the mountains, raising concerns that the snow pack could begin to melt and increase the flood risk.

15.   This new detail will allow hydrologists to better measure the ground snow pack and forecast spring flooding, Jones said.