
Shashwath S. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: Automating Runoff Water Calculation using Hough Line Transformations and Atmospheric Data
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Ms. Covert
My project, Predicting Snow Depth Patterns in Burn Scar Regions, will research the impact of elevation and burn severity on snowmelt rates across burnt areas to help better manage water resources with an improved understanding of post-wildfire snow dynamics. Traditional snow monitoring methods-such as SNOTEL stations are highly limited in scope and have huge upkeep. My study uses time-lapse imagery to collect snow depth data and computer vision techniques to make the analysis more automated, requiring less manual labor and allowing for wider coverage. Fieldwork at the Caldor Fire burn scar in South Lake Tahoe will include data collection across a range of elevations and burn severities using strategically placed cameras and snow poles. A machine learning-based prediction model will be developed for snow accumulation and melting patterns, integral to informed decisions on optimizing water flow into the rivers and reservoirs. This novel integration of environmental science and technology meets a critical need for efficient freshwater management in regions dependent on snowpacks, hence contributing to long-term climate adaptation strategies.