Establishing snow courses for representativeness, permanence, and continuity of record

Snow courses should be located in uniform and fairly well protected areas such as, level open forests, parks, or closed basins above winter melting lines. The ground surface should not show signs of standing water and far enough from creeks or stream banks that there is no chance of early flooding. Sample intervals are usually 50 to 100 feet apart. The number of samples usually 10 or 20 are sufficient. Better to have several courses of 10 samples at intervals of altitude than one long course in a basin. It is recommended that courses be accurately mapped, marked cleared, and described on data sheets. Snow survey record sheets should be kept up to date. Consistent records can be obtained more readily if courses are accessible, or if suitable shelter cabins are available. Pictures and sketch maps of courses are shown; also an assortment of data collections sheets, and marker signs for courses.