Snow survey telemetry networks and future plans

Federal agencies have legislative authority which involves the development, management and use of water resources. Full knowledge relating to the water resources is required. There are large gaps in basic knowledge and ability to predict future climatic and hydrologic events. Programs costing tens of millions of dollars are planned and put into operation based on less than a desirable level of knowledge. Present hydrologic networks are not sufficient in coverage or function. The development and use of electronic telemetry provides a means of collecting ‘real time’ information. Equipment has to meet rigid specifications. Funding for data collection is piece meal -- a better system is needed.