Determining and Telemetering Snowpack Water Content in Mountainous Terrain

Snowpack water content is an important parameter in streamflow forecasts. At the present time water content of the snowpack is determined by manual methods, which are often expensive and time-consuming. The use of a pressure pillow to determine water content has shown promise in experimental applications. The design and analysis of a pressure transducer suitable for use with remote telemetry equipment is presented. The transducer uses changing fluid pressure to vary an inductor. Telemetry techniques suitable for use on Utah snow courses are analyzed. Emphasis is given to the passive and active remote radio relays