Soil moisture data as a forecasting variable

TitleSoil moisture data as a forecasting variable
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1965
AuthorsStockwell, H. J.
Conference Name33rd Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 33rd Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1965
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationColorado Springs, Colorado
KeywordsSoil moisture measurement, Water supply forecasting
Abstract

A review of experiences with soil moisture stations using Colman Units over a ten year period in mountain areas of the Western States is presented. The purpose of the units is to obtain data on soil moisture conditions under the snowpack and use such data as a forecasting variable in relation to snow water content. The installations have been reasonably satisfactory from a mechanical standpoint; that is, they have performed generally without failure. One of the problems has been a satisfactory operational procedure for converting resistance readings from the units into a measure of soil moisture. As a forecasting variable, the value of soil moisture data is still open to question. In some locations soil moisture data has been of definite value. Guidelines for future installations and continued tests are suggested.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1965Stockwell.pdf