Technology on the Trail – SnoTel
August 22, 2006
Several hundreds of mysterious antennae can be found scattered amongst the ridges and valleys of 12 western states. Usually a nondescript outhouse sized building combined with several towers of different types. Bristling with sensors, they sit silently, continuously sending communications in bursts of 1950’s radio technology which catch a ride off of a meteors tail while in route to their destination. What are these locations? Relics from the cold war? An attempt to communicate with extra-terrestrials? Some undisclosed monitoring program? Not quite, these are SnoTel sites, which is short for Snowpack Telemetry. A system of automated stations which collect snowpack and related climatic data in the western United States and Alaska.
Developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the sensors at these stations relay snow depth, snow water equivalent, precipitation, air temperature, as well as soil moisture & temperature. The data is collected by two master stations located in Boise, ID and Ogden, UT, who in turn offer the information online. Both current and historical records can be accessed through the Snotel website.
This is a good resource for outdoor recreationalist venturing in areas near these sites or for a general overview of a region. Care to see what temperature extremes you may encounter, just take a look at the recent 7 day data. Winter enthusiasts can research snow depth and current accumulation as well as investigating the current temperatures effect on the integrity of the snowpack.
Idaho alone has more than 80 sites. Some of the more local ones include Hyndman Creek, Chocolate Gulch, Galena Summit, Dollarhide Summit, Soldier & Garfield Ranger Stations. The interface at the site is fairly simple to use with all the locations clickable on an overview state map as well as a drop down menu with the stations listed alphabetically.
Recently we discussed a basic introduction to Google Earth, and the NCRS has created a data file which overlays an interface upon the Google maps so users can view station info and location there. This really enhances the information and adds to the fun. So take a look, though the site can seem a bit cryptic it is fairly easy to use and is another nice way to explore a destination. Just remember to get out there in person sometime.
David Stilwill
www.thetrailbook.com
