Precipitation at Barrow, Alaska, greater than recorded

Abstract

During the winter of 1949–1950 data on depth and density of snow on the ground near Barrow, Alaska, revealed two to four times as much water equivalent as was recorded with the standard eight‐inch precipitation gage of the U.S. Weather Bureau. Indirect evidence on summer precipitation supports the conclusion that precipitation is greater than recorded. Wind effects are believed to be responsible for the difference in water equivalents and for an annual efficiency of the gage of 25 to 50 pct. Total precipitation thus may be more than 16 inches instead of about four inches as recorded. Other Arctic stations in windy areas doubtless are similarly affected.