A universal surface precipitation gage

A universal surface precipitation gage has been developed that measures total precipitation and records the precipitation remaining in storage as snow. A 5-foot-diameter platform made of light weight concrete, is supported by a liquid-filled 100-foot coil of butyl tubing. An opening in the center of the platform allows for the collection of atmospheric melt, rain percolate and melt, or a combination of these, and rainfall. A mechanical dual-pen recorder continuously records the rate of water collected in an underground tank and the water equivalent of snow on the platform. This recording system satisfies the long-standing need for surface measurement of total precipitation, snowmelt rates, and snow water equivalent required in hydrologic research and water yield and flood forecasts.