Harvesting snow when water levels are low

Designing a snow fence-pit-berm water source for livestock of wildlife on the High Plains begins by estimating available snow transport, from average winter snowfall and fetch distance along the drifting wind direction. Pit excavation must match this volume of water. The pit will then trap one-half the snow transport. A snow fence height is chosen to provide storage for the one-half of snow transport not stored in the pit. The snow fence, pit, and berm are extended across the wind to match the water requirements (number of animals, number of days of use). Cost is less than most wells with pumping systems.