This past winter in Utah was unlike most of them in recent years. There was record snowfall compared to other years. We probably won't have a drought this year, but that comes at a price.
It's not every day that hydrologists tell the public to be aware of potential floods in the area due to the snowmelt around here. It's also good to know we are not even halfway through the melting snow.
For me, it's the first time I noticed the hydrological outlook warning on my weather app. The Brave AI's comment summarized it. It sounded like another way to say "flood watch." Except, the potential floods and water damage won't be from precipitation.
One of my neighbors is not taking chances this time around. Several years ago, the water level exceeded the channel in a relatively tame year. Their basement got flooded. I'm sure the repairs cost a chunk of money.
Since it's many people's first time paying attention to the water flow, we got some sandbags ready. The preparations for subsequent years should be less time-consuming when we figure out what to look out for.
So, what is a hydrologist?
In short, they study and manage the water supplies in your area and work closely with personnel such as public officials. It sounds boring, but it doesn't seem to be a bad-paying job for the amount of education you need.
According to CareerExplorer, the average salary of a hydrologist in Utah is around $85K. The median in the US is $84K. The top-end ones make over $130K a year. The academic path to become one seems reasonable. While there are hydrology programs around the country, it would appear those with degrees in geology and environmental science qualify for such jobs as well.
I kind of wish I knew about this as a university student. It would have been an interesting alternative for me.
