India, July 15 -- New research reveals Himalayan snowfall has been severely underestimated for decades, distorting water forecasts for millions across South Asia.

By using lakebed water-pressure sensors instead of small rain gauges, scientists can now measure snow over vast areas with far greater accuracy.

This will improve models of meltwater, river flows, drought planning and cross-border water management in a warming, increasingly water-stressed region.

Mountain snow and meltwater from glaciers in the Himalayas determine how much water is available for drinking, farming and hydropower for millions of people in India, Pakistan, Nepal, China and Afghanistan.

This is especially important during the spring and early summer crop-growing...