Snow surveys in the northeast and uses of data

A historical and progress report on snow survey activities in the Northeastern states is presented. The measurement of snow and snow water equivalent was done in upper New York state as early as 1834 by John b. Jervis, for the purpose of estimating possible water supplies for reservoirs that regulated water for the Chenango Barge Canal. He also established the first two streamgaging stations in the United States in 1835 on Eaton Brook and Madison Brook, however records are not continuous. Charles A. Mixer made some snow water equivalent measurements in 1900, but were not continued. Continuous records were stated in 1926 following the procedures outlined by Dr. J. E. Church, Jr. The growth of snow surveys in the Northeast States has been consistent over the passing years and the application of the data has increased steadily, similar to those in the Western states. No irrigation uses are reported, however, forecasting from snow surveys is common for power production, flood control and reservoir regulation.