Evaluation of the isotopic snow measurement gage

Isotopic snow measurement gages have been in use in the Western states for monitoring snow water equivalent for the last nine years. They have demonstrated several advantages over mechanical snow gages, but have also presented some problems. This paper will review the status of the Isotopic Gage in monitoring snow. It will briefly describe the principles by which it works, evaluate its past experience, discuss its advantages and problems, present current technologic advances by use with micro processors, and suggest future research which will improve reliability. One area of research discussed is the use of solid state detectors, such as cadmium telluride, to eliminate the need for high voltage circuits.