Development of the fulcrum weighing device for precipitation gages

This is a report on the development and use of a fulcrum weighing device for precipitation gages. This device was designed by the Soil Conservation Service for use on the Bureau of Reclamation’s Atmospheric Water Resources Program in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico.A new weighing device was developed for the precipitation gages installed adjacent to seven snow courses in the target area. This device was developed to obtain weight readings with greater ease and quicker than the manual weighing procedure and maintain the accuracy of direct weight measurements. A load cell or transducer can be added for telemetry. Measurements and results obtained from using the fulcrum device are discussed.