Cost and benefits of snow surveying in Utah

TitleCost and benefits of snow surveying in Utah
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1937
AuthorsClyde, G. D.
Conference Name5th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 5th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedJanuary 1938
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part II:
Conference LocationDavis, California
KeywordsEconomics of snow surveys
Abstract

Utah’s irrigation water supply is largely dependent upon the size of the winter snow pack stored in the high mountain of the central portion of the state. The type of farm crops are variable in their water requirements. With sufficient accurate foreknowledge of the probable water supply, crops can be selected for economical planting and use of waterThe drought year of 1934 was probably the most serious in western history. Advance information of this condition was indicated by snow survey measurements. A water conservation program was immediately organized with a crash program by Press and Radio information. Strict adherence to regulations and the full cooperation of the farmers resulted in a saving of over $5,000,000 by economical use of water. Supplementary supplies were organized from well drilling in the Bear River Basin resulting in a crop saving of another $3,000,000 in that area alone.Such savings warrant the cost of snow surveys for many years.