Snow pillow experiences in a prairie (Alberta) environment

Submitted by Armida on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 16:01
TitleSnow pillow experiences in a prairie (Alberta) environment
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1976
AuthorsKerr, W. E.
Conference Name44th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 44th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1976
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationCalgary, Alberta
KeywordsSnow gauge location criteria, Snow gauges, Snow pressure pillow
Abstract

The use of snow pillows for measuring solid precipitation in a prairie environment has been seriously questioned. However, our experience indicates that this gauging device can provide valuable information even under very unfavourable conditions such as: 1) Shallow snow packs (snow depth 20 inches) 2) Heavy drifting 3) Chinook areas 4) Isolated locationsComparisons of total catch under these conditions are made with Fischer & Porter, Belfort, Sacramento and Nipher precipitation gauges, and also with Standard snow course measurements. Guidelines for selecton of representative sites for precipitation gauges and snow courses under prairie conditions are presented. Snow pillow operational costs are also discussed.
URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1976Kerr.pdf