Final answer:
The two main factors determining the moisture content in the snowpack are temperature and humidity, as well as snowfall and precipitation. While altitude and wind speed can affect snow distribution, they are not primary moisture content determinants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main factors that primarily determine the moisture content in the snowpack at a ski resort are 1) temperature and humidity and 2) snowfall and precipitation. Temperature is vital because it influences the ability of air to hold moisture. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, which affects precipitation levels and snowpack moisture content. Snowfall and precipitation directly contribute to the snowpack by adding fresh snow, which in turn adds to the moisture content.
Precipitation patterns are influenced by several factors, including temperature, proximity to the ocean, and mountain ranges. Moreover, factors like altitude and wind speed can alter the distribution and density of snowfall, but they are not the primary determinants of moisture content. The Airborne Snow Observatory plays a crucial role in measuring water content in the snowpack, which is essential for managing water resources, especially in areas like Southern California that rely heavily on snowpack for their water supply.