Snow study program at Soda Springs near Donner Summit of Central Sierra Nevada

The efficiency of precipitation gages and snow surveying, the physics of snow, temperature in snow, and changes in snow texture were studied at Soda Springs, California, during 1942-43. Ten precipitation gages were used in the test. It was found that unshielded gages showed considerable catch deficiency. The use of oil in the cans has reduced the evaporation in shielded gages almost to zero. The weight beam of the Stevens Type-W recording gage was sensitive enough to respond to footsteps on the platform and the opening and closing of the door. A heavier oil was used the damping cup to correct the condition. The movement of moisture in snow was determined by using dyes, of which Fuschine had all the requirements. Calorimetric measurements of snow were made and the results tabulated. Snow was found to crust at 34degF. The melting day lasted 6 hours in early spring at 7000 ft. altitude. Resistance thermometers were used to measure snow and soil temperatures. The layout of the experiment are shown in drawings and photographs, also instruments. Results of the data collected are discussed in the text.