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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Accessibility and suitability of measurement sites were evaluated by conducting a series of reconnaissance surveys in each of the hydro- logic basins within the project area. These reconnaissance surveys were made during the 1968-69 winter season by utilizing over-snow vehicles for traveling into the remote project areas. Relations were established with representatives of the U. S. Forest Service at this time. Their knowledge of local. terrain, access route, and the cooper- ation given proved to be of great assistance initiating the observation network. 2.1.2 Instrument Testinq and Selection - Included in the design of the network was a determination of what types of meteorological measurements were required to fulfill the basic objective of the Colorado River Basin Pilot ProjE~ct. An investigation was then made to determine what instrumentatLon was commercially available and how well the various instruments would perform in the mountain wintertime environment. The instruments which were evaluated and selections made for use on the project were recording weighing-type precipitation gages, hygrothermographs, wind recorders, balloon theodolites, and rawinsonde receivers. 2.1 .3 Instrument De siqn and Construction - Adequate meteorological instruments were not commercially available to fulfill some of the pilot project's observational requirements. To meet these project require- ments I WSSI personnel constructed the following instrumentation and equipment: (1) expansion-type ice nucleus counters for making back- ground measurements of activated ice nucleus concentrations at various temperatures; (2) formvar-type ice crystal replicators for ob- taining observations of ice crystal types and concentrations; (3) a prototype photo ice crystal replicator which uses a moving belt to bring snowflakes under the lens of a camera where they are photographed; (4) telescoping stands which make it relatively easy to raise instru- mentation and thereby keep them above the snowpack; (5) collectors for obtaining samples of freshly fallen snow; and (6) a mobile rawin- sonde facility. 2.1.4 Procurement - Established procedures for purchasing services I instrumentation, equipment, repair parts, and supplies required for supporting the program have been utilized since the initiation of the pilot project in 1968. WSSI maintains a file of instrument supply sources and current prices. Considerable experience has been gained on the project in defining supply sources and expediting procurement requirements. . -6-