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National Water and Climate Center


SNOTEL Sensors

All Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) sensor measurements are reported daily.

Element Measured Sensor Type Precision
Air Temperature Shielded thermistor 0.1°C
Barometric Pressure Silicon capacitive pressure sensor 1%
Precipitation Storage-type gage or tipping bucket

Storage: 0.1 inches

Tipping bucket: 0.01 inches

Relative Humidity Thin film capacitance-type sensor 1%
Snow Depth Sonic sensor 0.5 inches
Snow Water Content Snow pillow device and a pressure transducer 0.1 inches
Soil Moisture Dielectric constant measuring device. Typical measurements are at 2", 4", 8", 20", and 40" where possible. 0.5%
Soil Temperature Encapsulated thermistor. Typical measurements are at 2", 4", 8", 20", and 40" where possible. 0.1°C
Solar Radiation Pyranometer 0.01 watts per square meter
Wind Speed and Direction Propellor-type anemometer

Speed: 0.1 miles per hour

Direction: 1°

More on SNOTEL Sensors: National Engineering Handbook, Part 622, Chapter 2, Data Parameters