A High Elevation Climate Monitoring Network: Strategy and Progress
* Redmond, K T (kelly.redmond@dri.edu) , Desert Research Institute / Western Regional
Climate Center, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512-1095 United States
Populations living at low elevations are critically dependent on processes and resources at higher
elevations. Most western U.S. streamflow begins as mountain snowmelt. Observational evidence
and theoretical considerations indicate that climate variations in a given geographic domain can
and do exhibit different characteristics and temporal behavior at different elevations. Subtleties in
the interplay between topography and airflow can significantly affect precipitation patterns.
However, there are very few systematic, long-term, in-situ, climate quality, high-altitude
observational time series with hourly resolution for the western North American mountains to
investigate these issues at the proper scales. Climate at high elevations is severely undersampled,
a consequence of the harsh physical environment, and demands on sensors, maintenance, access,
communications, time, and budgets. Costs are higher, human presence is limited, AC power is
often not available, and there are permitting and aesthetic constraints. The observational strategy
should include these main elements: 1) All major mountain ranges should be sampled. 2) Alongaxis and cross-axis sampling for major mountain chains. 3) Approximately 5-10 sites per state (1
per 56000 sq km to 1 per 28000 sq km). 4) Highest sites as high as possible within each state, but
at both high relative and absolute elevations. 5) Free air exposures at higher sites. 6) Utilize
existing measurements and networks, and extend existing records, when possible. 7) AC power to
prevent ice/rime when practical. 8) Temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction,
solar radiation as main elements, others as feasible. 9) Hourly readings, and real time
communication whenever possible. 10) Absence of local artificial influences, site stable for next
5-10 decades. 11) Current and historical measurements accessible via World Wide Web when
possible. 12) Hydro measurements (precipitation, snow water content and depth) are not practical
at highest points, so have lower sites in more protected settings to permit these. Maintain stable
site characteristics (e.g., vegetation height) needed for measurement homogeneity. 13) High
quality, rugged, durable instrumentation with proven track records greatly desirable. 14) Site
documentation history available and accessible.