Increasing the Spatial Resolution of Snow Hydrology Data and Augmenting Existing Hydrology Monitoring Networks Using Low-Cost Snow Sensing Stations

Snow is a crucial part of the water cycle, especially in mountainous regions where melting snow provides water for millions of people. However, accurately measuring how much water is stored in snow is challenging. Current monitoring networks, such as the snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) network in the western United States, provide valuable data, but have gaps in coverage and are expensive to operate and expand. This research explores a more affordable way to improve snow measurements by designing and testing low-cost snow sensing stations. These stations use open-source datalogger and software technology along with research-grade sensors to measure important snow variables. They are designed to operate in a variety of landscapes where traditional snow monitoring stations cannot be placed. To ensure the collected data is accessible, the stations use wireless networks to transmit data in real-time. A case study in Utah's Logan River watershed tested these stations and found that they provided reliable data while revealing differences in snow patterns over short distances. By making snow monitoring more affordable and widely available, this research helps improve water management and forecasting. The study also provides a guide for others to build similar stations, supporting future research and better understanding of snow-dependent water systems.