Reorganization of the USDA - Soil Conservation Service - snow survey and water supply forecast activity

Submitted by Armida on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 15:26
TitleReorganization of the USDA - Soil Conservation Service - snow survey and water supply forecast activity
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1983
AuthorsBarton, M.
Conference Name51st Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 51st Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1983
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationVancouver, Washington
KeywordsActions, Data collection changes, Implementation, Reorganization
Abstract

In October 1981, the SCS initiated a study to determine whether its Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecast activity could be restructured for greater efficiencies. Study goals were to maximize SNOTEL system benefits, reduce the manual surveys system, improve forecasts and related services to water users without significantly increasing costs or personnel. A plan to meet these goals was issued in July 1982 by Chief Peter C. Myers. Reorganization is being implemented over the next several years. Data collection activities in Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming are being assigned to the adjacent states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Utah. Forecasting, model development, data analysis, and data base management and water supply outlook reports will be the responsibility of a sizeably enlarged (from 8 to 16 persons) staff located at the Service's West National Technical Center in Portland, Oregon. Present plans call for Alaska to continue operations as in the past.
URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1983Barton.pdf