Google Earth SNOTEL Data Layer
View real-time daily snow and precipitation data from the NRCS SNOTEL network in the rich 3-dimensional visual context of Google Earth.
Introducing a new high resolution interactive interface to SNOTEL snowpack and precipitation information. Opening the data layer below in the Google Earth application opens a window to the data that allows you to have a birds-eye view of the Western US, while zooming in to individual basins and stations of interest.
Quick Start Guide:
1) Google earth is an application requiring a fast internet connection and a modern computer. Be sure to check if your system matches the requirements outlined by
Google.
2) Download and install the
Google Earth application. Familiarize yourself with the interface by viewing the
Google Earth Guide. If you have any problems so far, the
Google Earth Support webpage is full of useful information.
3) Load a SNOTEL ".kmz" data file from the links directly below. The file on the left displays the station name on the map which is good for fine scale analysis. For a broader view of conditions, viewing the data without labels (the file on the right) may be preferable. The application may automatically launch on opening a ".kmz" file.
SNOTEL Data (with labels)
SNOTEL Data (without labels)
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/earth/earth1.jpg
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/earth/earth2.jpg
4) Browse around or zoom into your basin of interest. Click individual sites for more info, both on the map and in the "Places" frame on the left. Use the "Places" frame to find a specific station, organized by state.
5) Any day you use this application, come to this webpage and click on the above links to the data files.
Important! If you save the “.kmz” file locally to your computer, it will only contain the data from the day you acquired it and will not automatically refresh. To ensure you have the latest data, always come back to this webpage.
A Note About Precision:
At very fine resolutions, the location of the marker on this map may not match the exact location of the SNOTEL site. The marker is placed at the center of a 0.01 by 0.01 degree box, outlined in gray. This approximately 500 acre buffer contains the true location of the site. If you have an application that requires a higher level of accuracy, please contact the
content manager of this page.
