TITLE 2500 - WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
R-1 SUPPLEMENT 46
EFFECTIVE 01/17/91
CHAPTER 2530 - WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
2531.11 - Water Resource Inventories. Snow Surveys. See FSM 1541.1--R-1, for the current
Memorandum of Agreement between the Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service for
the States of Idaho and Montana for snow surveys.
Data obtained from snow course measurements are most valuable in forecasting water yields
from mountain watersheds. Hydroelectric-power generation, irrigation, city water supplies,
industrial users, and reservoir operations are dependent on the expected availability and timing of
streamflow.
The value of water supply information will increase as demands for water become greater in our
expanding economy. Consequently, snow survey data increase in importance with each
successive year of record.
The network of stations initially established on Region 1 Forests by the Soil Conservation
Service and access to these sites must be maintained. The Forest Service and SCS will cooperate
on the elimination of ineffective sites and the installation of additional courses or sites to make
possible more reliable forecasts of runoff for downstream users and National Forest management
purposes.
Established snow courses and related data sites must be protected from any disturbing influence
such as road construction, timber harvesting, or other disturbance which will affect snow
accumulation or measurement.
If it becomes necessary to make changes which may affect a snow course or related data site, it is
essential that instructions called for in FSM 1541.1 be followed.
Snow Survey Readings and Measurements
Snow survey or related data site readings must be at the State Snow Survey Data Collection
Office of the Soil Conservation Service not later than 2 days after the date stated in the schedule
of measurements. In the event adverse weather conditions prevent readings on the days planned,
it may be necessary to telephone the data to the State Office.
The Staff Director of Range, Air, Watershed and Ecology will notify each Forest involved by
November 1 annual of the snow courses, time, and number of measurements to be made. In the
event this list is delayed, the Forest will follow the previous year's schedule until new lists are
available.
When courses are to be read by both Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service personnel, it
is the Forest's responsibility to assure that arrangements for trips are coordinated with the Soil
Conservation Service.
The Soil Conservation Service conducts annual West Wide Snow Survey Training schools that
cover snow sampling, survival training, safety and related subjects. The Forest Service should
consider sending employees making snow surveys to this session.