Noah P. Molotch

Associate Professor •
• Surface water and snow hydrology • Remote sensing • Ecohydrology

Geography • Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Program

Bio

My research and teaching interests are focused on mountain hydrology and fostering a diverse and equitable scientific community.

My research projects utilize ground-based observations, remote sensing, and computational modeling to obtain comprehensive understanding of hydrological processes; in particular the distribution of snowmelt, soil moisture and streamflow. Studies relating fluxes of water and carbon are also a focus of my current projects—in particular carbon cycling in montane forests. I mentor a diverse group of scientists and seek collaborations with individuals with unique perspectives and life experiences.

Education

PhD: Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, 2004
MS: Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2000
BA: University of Colorado Boulder, 1997

Research

Specialities: surface water and snow hydrology; remote sensing; ecohydrology.

Publications

See Noah's Google Scholar profile.

Teaching

Current courses

ENVS/GEOG 4201: Biometeorology
GEOG 1001: Climate & Vegetation
GEOG/GEOL 4093/5093: Remote Sensing of Environment

Past courses

GEOG 5241: Topics in Physical Geography: Advanced Methods in Snow Measurement

Current students

Eric Kennedy

MS Student • Graduate Student Researcher •
• Snow hydrology • Ecohydrology • Forest ecology

Geography • Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Program

Mountain Hydrology Group Advisor: Noah Molotch As a new graduate student, I am still refining my niche in snow hydrology research. I have begun developing my thesis work around the interactions between snowpack and forest ecosystems, and how climate change is altering these interactions. In my nascent research career, I have drawn on my background as a wildland firefighter and ski patroller, as well as my undergraduate work in terrestrial...

eric.kennedy@colorado.edu

Patrick Saylor

MA Student •
• Snow hydrology

Geography

Visit the Mountain Hydrology group Advisor: Noah Molotch

patrick.saylor@colorado.edu

Millie Spencer

PhD Student •
• Hydrology • Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) • Water across borders

Geography

Mountain Hydrology Group Advisor: Noah Molotch Hydrology, glaciology, transboundary water management/conflict, science communication, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and knowledge co-production.

millie.spencer@colorado.edu

---

Outreach

---

News

A 16-by-16-inch piece consisting of frozen India ink, paper and thread. Created by Colorado artist Hannah Taylor in collaboration with CU Boulder scientist Noah Molotch, the frozen ink wash papers represent a community defined by snow.

Colorado artist, CU Boulder scientist band together to spotlight Dillon Reservoir and the state’s water issues (Summit Daily)

June 26, 2023

Their collaborative art piece, part of a CU Boulder-sponsored exhibit, is one of several hanging in the Colorado State Capitol building.

Lines divide Sierra Nevada watersheds. Average is a modeled estimate for years 2000-2021. Figure by Leanne Lestak and Noah Molotch.

Scientists take flight to map California’s vast snowpack and measure flooding threats (L.A. Times)

May 26, 2023

Noah Molotch is quoted in this Los Angeles Times article about mapping the recent historic snowpack in California using laser pulses and spectrometers from the air. The flights are collecting data to estimate when and how fast the snow will melt, helping officials prepare for the runoff, manage water releases from dams, and asses areas at risk of flooding.

CU Boulder researchers collect snow measurements near the Continental Divide in Colorado for the snow survey last May. Photo by Kate Hale.

Earlier snowpack melt in the West could bring summer water scarcity (CU Boulder Today)

May 25, 2023

Snow is melting earlier, and more rain is falling instead of snow in the mountain ranges of the Western U.S. and Canada, leading to a leaner snowpack that could impact agriculture, wildfire risk and municipal water supplies come summer, according to a new CU Boulder analysis. Kate Hale and Noah Molotch are authors on the study.

Holly Barnard and artist Jocelyn Catterson an artwork by Catterson in the Lieutenant Governor's office at the Colorado State Capitol building.

Art and climate science converge in new exhibit at the Colorado Capitol (KUNC)

May 24, 2023

An exhibit that just opened in the Colorado capitol building's rotunda features artwork made in the process of partnerships between artists from around Colorado, their communities, and CU Boulder scientists. Called “Coloradans and our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change,” the art grapples with the climate and environmental challenges that are part of Coloradoans' lives: drought, decreasing groundwater, acid mine drainage, wildfire, pine beetle tree mortality, and more.

A mixed-media artwork by Jocelyn Catterson explores groundwater in the San Luis Valley, reflecting a partnership with INSTAAR Holly Barnard.

Coloradoans and our shared environment in times of challenge and change (CU OOE)

May 18, 2023

A collaborative exhibition tells the story of how Coloradans are experiencing interrelated challenges of fire, drought, and water and air quality in their communities. Artists (the CASE Fellows) partnered with scientists and communities to make visible the connections between Coloradans and their environment. Several INSTAARs acted as scientist partners. This website showcases the artwork, as well as quotes from the partners, explorations of the issues, and what you can do to act.

More Molotch news >

Noah P. Molotch

Bio

Education

Research

Publications

Teaching

Current courses

Past courses

Current students

Eric Kennedy

Patrick Saylor

Millie Spencer

Outreach

Labs & Groups

Programs

Research

People

Diversity

Community

News

Events

About INSTAAR

Prospective students

Resources for INSTAARs

Jobs

Support INSTAAR

Search

Breadcrumb

Noah P. Molotch

Bio

Education

Research

Publications

Teaching

Current courses

Past courses

Current students

Outreach