Daily maximum, minimum, and average ambient air temperatures are collected at each site with a self-aspirating shielded temperature sensor. Snow Courses Snow courses are permanently marked locations where snow depth and SWE are measured. Most snow courses consist of five to ten sample points. Individual measurements are averaged to derive one value of snow depth and SWE for each snow course. Typically, snow courses are measured near the first of the month from January to June, with mid-month measurements conducted at some locations.
Most gauges have an alter shield to diminish the wind effect on precipitation catch.
The gauges are measured near the end of the month to determine an approximate monthly precipitation total.