Long-term snow database, Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, Idaho, United States

Abstract

Snow is the dominant form of precipitation in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW). Water from snowmelt is critical to the ecosystems and resources in RCEW because the water stored in the seasonal snow cover is the primary source of spring and summer soil moisture and streamflow. Snow water equivalent (SWE) has been measured at eight locations in RCEW every 2 weeks throughout the snow season (December 1 to June 1) for 35 water years (1962-1996). SWE was continuously monitored at one reference site for 14 water years (1983-1996). The measurement sites are described, the methods used are presented and discussed, these data are summarized, and examples of how they have been used are presented.