Measuring winter precipitation with an antifreeze-based tipping bucket system

TitleMeasuring winter precipitation with an antifreeze-based tipping bucket system
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1996
AuthorsMcCaughey, W. W., and Farnes P. E.
Conference Name64th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 64th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1996
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationBend, Oregon
KeywordsSnow gage, Storage gages, Tipping bucket
Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if a modified storage gage charged with antifreeze and attached to a tipping bucket recorder would continuously and accurately measure winter precipitation. Precipitation measured in eight tipping bucket/storage gage (TIPSTOR) recorders were compared to measurements from eight paired snow boards, two storage gages and two weighing precipitation gages. The average total accumulation for six TIPSTORs (83.8 mm) was greater than storage gages (75.7 mm) but less than adjusted snow board and weighing precipitation gage measurements (85.6 mm and 89.3 mm, respectively) These results indicate that reasonable accuracy can be expected from the TIPSTOR. The design of the gages and the results of field tests are presented.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1996McCaughey.pdf