Snow depth and snow water equivalent measurements along a road course in the Andrews Experimental Forest, 1978 to present

With an increase in emphasis on snow data collection within our climate monitoring program, a snow course is designed around a dispersed sampling scheme rather than a point intensive scheme as previously employed in the historic Reference Stand snow course. Primary objectives are noting the presence/absence of snow, snow depth, and time of melt-off. Snow depths are read from stakes placed near the road to allow for routine and frequent observation. Stakes are placed at different elevations and aspects in paired forested/open sites. Truthing of points with snow core sampling for snow moisture content (snow water equivalent) will be done when possible, usually 1-2 times per year.