In order to get an accurate measurement of the snow, scientists are heading to the sky. Aerial measurements of the Sierra Nevada snowpack are expected to begin within weeks as part of pilot program to provide more accurate estimates of California’s water supply. The Airborne Snow Observatory program will include researchers flying over the mountain range taking spectrometer readings to measure the snowpack’s albedo — or reflectivity — and using remote sensing technology known as Lidar to gauge the snowpack’s depth. Sun rays hitting the snow have a much greater influence on snowmelt than air temperature. Measuring the reflectivity of …