At the conclusion of the snow melt season, the same sensor equipment must be deactivated. Surveyors from all the cooperating agencies venture into the mountains. Each of the State's 300-plus snow courses is visited at least once by a snow surveyor for data gathering. Even at stations monitored automatically, data must be verified. An average snow course is 1,000 feet long.
Most courses consist of about ten sample points to insure sound statistical data.
One mandatory skill for the snow surveyor is ski know-how. The skiers, who travel in teams for the sake of safety, take turns in breaking trail to conserve strength. The work can be hazardous, and the snow surveyor must be trained to handle emergencies. Although the general weather forecast is checked prior to take-off, constant vigilance is necessary due to the suddenness of many mountain storms. Extra precautions also must be taken against getting caught in an avalanche or being snow bound.