Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL) Snow Science School Application Form 2027
The Snow Science School is geared towards industry professional and new academics to gain knowledge and understanding of physical snow processes and how they are measured in the field through a variety of manual measurements, instrumentation, remote-sensing techniques, and modeling applications. The course aim is to bring together operations and research focused individuals with a variety of experience and expertise to create a rich environment for learning fundamental snow science along with practical field and research applications.

Dates: January 13-15, 2027
Location: Soda Springs, CA
Lodging: Clair Tappaan Lodge
Local Hosts: Central Sierra Snow Lab: Andrew Schwartz (Director), Megan Mason (Research Scientist), Gabe Lewis (Research Scientist), Kiana Tsao (Field Researcher)
Instructors: TBD
Course Registration Fee: $600 (fee covers lodging and course, not covered is travel to/from course)
Measurement Activities Require: Snowshoes (lodge or in town rentals can be made in advance) and warm winter gear. 

Please visit the CSSL Snow Science School webpage to find out more information before applying. 

The questions below are to help the organizing team plan the course material and cater to your interests. Please answer honestly based on your prior experience and know that limited experience will not disqualify your application in any way. 

If you are accepted you will be required to consent to the CSSL Snow Science School Code of Conduct (posted on the CSSL Snow Science School webpage). 
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First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Current Role *
What organization are you a part of? CA-DWR employees please select the first choice, others please select other and type in your organization's name.  *
Please tell us why you are interested in attending the CSSL Snow Science School? Consider describing how this course is important in your current position or an upcoming project. (Answer in 1-2 short paragraphs) *
Please describe your prior experience and comfortably working in snow and the outdoors. (Answer in 1-2 short paragraphs) *
Can your organization or self cover the course registration fee ($600) and travel costs associated with travel to Soda Springs, CA? The course registration fee covers lodging and some food/meals during the event, however travel to/from is not covered. For this event, we plan on booking accommodation for attendees at the Inn At Truckee, which is the closest hotel to the Sierra College campus where the classroom components of the course will take place. If you would like to book your own accommodation or live locally, we can offer you a discount on registration if you're selected.

Please note, there are no participant travel awards for the 2026 course. 

If your answer is No please provide more detail in the space below. Your application will still be consider and if selected you will be contacted and able to provide an update on your travel and course registration fee ability. 
 *
Please expand if you answered 'No' above (re: travel to/from course location).  
Please check which of the following prior coursework/training you have received.  *
Required
Please check which of the following data analysis and computer programing tools you have some experience in: *
Required
On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your experience collecting manual snow observations? *
No experience
Well experienced
On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your experience programing and deploying snow and meteorologic field instrumentation? *
No experience
Well experienced
On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your experience with data analysis and primary research? *
No experience
Well experienced
On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your experience with using and accessing hydrologic, meteorologic, and other earth science data products? *
No experience
Well experienced
On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your experience working with snow, hydrology, atmospheric, or other earth system models? *
No experience
Well experienced
In a few words please tell us how you might be able to use your unique expertise to contribute to the group during lectures and field measurement activities? 
In a few words what are the most important takeaways you want to get as an outcome of participating in this course? 
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