The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan is considering implementing modern aviation technologies to monitor snow cover and more accurately forecast spring floods. The first pilot project is planned for the Zhabai River basin, reports  DKNews.kz .

Prospects for cooperation were discussed by Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Aslan Abdraimov, representatives of the American companies Dynamic Aviation and Airborne Snow Observatories Inc., as well as the US Embassy in Kazakhstan.

Modern technologies will help to predict floods more accurately

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of using aerial monitoring to assess snow reserves and forecast spring runoff.

It is planned to use the technologies for:

• high-precision measurement of snow cover;
• monitoring of river basins;
• preparation of cartographic materials;
• generation of analytical reports;
• integration of the obtained data into the information systems of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

According to meeting participants, this will improve the quality of forecasts and allow for timely assessment of flood risks.

A pilot project is being launched on the Zhabai River.

Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to implement the program in stages.

At the first stage, work will be concentrated in the Zhabai River basin.

The main objectives of the pilot project:

• conducting aerial monitoring of snow cover;
• integration of new data into existing ministry models;
• development of methodology;
• training of Kazakhstani specialists;
• assessment of the prospects for program expansion.

If successful, the project is planned to be expanded to other priority watersheds in the country.

In the future, the program will be expanded to cover the whole of Kazakhstan.

The long-term concept envisages the implementation of an aviation monitoring system throughout the country.

This will allow:

• improve the quality of flood forecasting;
• improve water resources management;
• operate reservoirs more efficiently;
• reduce the risks of emergency situations;
• increase resilience to climate change.

In addition, the parties discussed the training of domestic specialists, data access issues, the distribution of responsibilities among project participants, as well as technical and organizational aspects of program implementation.

“It’s important for Kazakhstan to have not only up-to-date data but also a practical tool that allows for early management decisions, reduces flood risks, and ensures the protection of the population, infrastructure, and agriculture,” noted Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Aslan Abdraimov.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue negotiations on the further implementation of the project in Kazakhstan.

Why is this important?

The accuracy of spring runoff forecasts directly impacts regional preparedness for floods. Using aerial technology will allow for more detailed information on snow reserves, timely forecasting of meltwater volumes, and the implementation of preventative measures to protect populations, infrastructure, and agricultural land.

Google machine translated