Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, Idaho (Snow)

Snow is the dominant form of precipitation in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW). Seven snow course sites were established in 1961, and one additional site was added in 1970. All sites are located in the high-elevation southern extent of the basin, where snow accumulation is greatest. Snow water equivalent (SWE) and depth have been sampled at multiple locations in RCEW since 1961. These data have been collected using snow tube methods that are generally considered the standard for manual measurement of SWE and snow depth. Snow water equivalent (SWE) has been measured at eight locations in RCEW every 2 weeks throughout the snow season (December 1 to June 1) for 35 water years (1962-1996). SWE was continuously monitored at site 176x07 using a snow pillow for 14 water years (1983-1996).