The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the installation of two new Snow Telemetry-Lite (SNOLITE) stations in southern Oregon. 

These automated monitoring stations measure snow depth and air temperature and directly support producers, water managers and agencies with data that helps inform water management, drought preparedness and irrigation planning efforts. The stations are located in the Chewaucan Basin, a part of the Great Basin drainage just north of Lakeview in southern Oregon. 

The Chewaucan Basin can experience significant variability in water availability throughout the year and is increasingly prone to drought. Dependable and timely data allows users downstream to manage their water delivery, conserve water and support instream flows for fish and wildlife benefits. Agricultural producers may use the data to inform their irrigation planning and farm operations. Real-time localized data allows producers to make timely and proactive decisions to adjust operations and mitigate drought impacts. 

These two new stations strengthen monitoring efforts in the greater area and provide a more comprehensive view of current conditions, providing insight for water supply forecasting, wildfire and drought assessments. The Partnership for Lake Abert and Chewaucan requested these stations to enhance available information for producers and the overall management of Lake Abert. The partnership group assisted in the installation effort. 

NRCS’ Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program provides essential mountain hydroclimatic data across the West through the network of SNOTEL, SNOLITE, snow course and aerial marker sites. Learn more about the program and view various reports, maps and monitoring products on the NRCS Oregon Snow Survey page.