A “snowpack” is formed as layers of snow accumulate in regions of high altitude or during the course of the winter season. 
Upper Colorado River Basin snowpack. Snowpacks can be used to date events and evaluate climate.
Around the world, snowpacks are an important water resource that feed streams and rivers as they melt. During normal years, they help recharge surface and groundwater for the upcoming summer. In years where minimal snowfall accumulates, these water resources can be depleted early or not exist in the first place.
