The cooperative snow investigation program - its objectives and operations

TitleThe cooperative snow investigation program - its objectives and operations
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1948
AuthorsRhodes, F. L.
Conference Name16th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 16th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1948
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationReno, Nevada
KeywordsCooperative snow investigations, Hydrology, Meteorology research programs, Research programs
Abstract

The Cooperative Snow Investigation Program was initiated in 1945 by the Weather Bureau and Civil Works Division of the Corps of Engineers. The main objectives include the determination of methods of evaluating maximum streamflow resulting from precipitation, and methods of forecasting seasonal an short-term streamflow, including floods. The expansion of basic knowledge of the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic properties of snow, and of meteorological, climatological, and hydrological phenomena is an essential element of the program. The organization includes the program director, the processing and analysis unit, the Upper Columbia Snow Laboratory, the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, the Willamette Basin Snow Laboratory, and the technical director. The program is outlined in 5 major sections: seasonal totals of elements, time distribution of processes, areal distribution of precipitation, generalization and transfer of conclusions and methods.