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<br />'( <br /> <br />A relatively new data gathering device are the soil moisture stations, These are used <br />to determine the relative wetness or dryness of the soil mantle under the snow, We expect <br />this information to assist us in estimating how much of the snowpack will be lost replacing <br />soil moisture deficits and will not be available as runoff. This network is being established, <br />The oldest stations are seven years old. ~ome 30 soil moisture stations have been establfshed <br />to date in the Colorado River Basin. The results of these measurements will be published <br />as inches of water available in the soil profilenusually the top four feet. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />There are more than 60 high mountain precipitation gages, most of which are in Utah. <br /> <br />A few slides later will show some snow course locations, sampling equipment, soil <br />moisture stations and units, and over-snow machines. <br /> <br />QRGANIZATlON <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />As mentioned before, the program of snow surveys and water supply forecasts is a <br />co-operative program among several federal, state, and local organizations. Soil <br />Conserv.ation Service personnel act as co-ordinators of snow survey activities in each state <br />as well as between states when necessary to provide streamflow forecasts on interstate <br />streams. I n the Colorado River Basin some of the principal financial co-operation and, in <br />some cases, direct technical co-operation is from the Bureau of Reclamation and the offices <br />of the State Engineer in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico and the Salt River <br />Valley Water Users Association. The U. S. Corps of Engineers co-operates. Municipalities, <br />power companies, irrigation interests, and soil conservation districts assist in obtaining <br />measurements on local watersheds where they have a direct interest. <br /> <br />FiEild measurements are made by a variety of people. The qualification of a snow <br />surveyor does not necessarily include being an expert on skis. People making snow <br />surveys need to be basically reliable, honest, and interested in water. A good snow <br />surveyor realizes the measurements he makes are the basis of important water management <br />decisions and works with care and accuracy, He is physically fit. The degree of fitness <br />depends on the difficulty of reaching the snow course to which he is assigned. He must <br />have the: knowledge to survive in the mountains in case of an accident under adverse <br />conditior1s. He recognizes hazards in oversnow travel. Training programs in sampling <br />techniqu:es, oversnow travel and survival are a part of the snow survey. <br /> <br />Safety is emphasized. Snow survey parties consist of atieast two men. Such a <br />minor accident as a sprained ankle could be fatal only a few hundred feet from the highway <br />if help is not available. Snow surveyors make definite plans for a trip and have arrange- <br />ments for rescue if they do not check in on a pre-set schedule. <br /> <br />At the present time 60 to 70 percent of the snow surveys in the Colorado River Basin <br />are made by selected employees of the Soil Conservation Service. The next largest group <br />are employees of the Forest Service, both in forest management and'research, Other snow <br />surveyors include employees of the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, State <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />- 3 - <br /> <br />