Revised procedure for forecasting the spring runoff above Fort Peck

Abstract

(1) In 1934, fifteen snow‐survey courses were established in Montana in the upper Missouri headwaters‐region for use in forecasting the spring runoff above Fort Peck. Beginning in 1935, predictions were made each year of the runoff for April to July, inclusive, based on snow‐surveys at these established courses. The field‐work has been done by personnel of, and under the direction of, the District Engineer or the United States Geological Survey at Helena, Montana, for the Division Office, United States Engineer Office at Kansas City, Missouri, with funds provided by the War Department. The courses are all located in the headwaters‐region above Fort Peck, at elevations varying from 5,250 to 8,450 feet above mean sea‐level. The most northerly course is located at Marias Pass and the most southerly course at West Yellowstone. The weighted mean water‐depth of the snow at these stations appears to fairly accurately represent the mean water‐content of the snow for the headwaters‐region.