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 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
