Show II t I j J 1 4 t k w. w d 4 ter t. t t Ak w wR R w i a r J r tj f it l 1 i k e o WA WATERSHED SPECIALIST Is shown weighing precipitation gauge contents to 10 determine moisture conditions con con- In the area operates network of precipitation gauges gauge The Bureau of Land Managements Management's Vernal District operates a network of precipitation gauges throughout northeastern Utah In a semi arid region such as the Uintah Basin rain and snowfall are very important to the many uses made of public lands Based upon precipitation gauge readings range plant growth can be predicted drought conditions anticipated and spring runoff from melting snow forecast EACH GAUGE is emptied of water in October and recharged with a mixture of oil and an antifreeze ant i to prevent evaporation t lj i and freezing It Is weighed at that time and again at periodic intervals throughout the year with a special scale that reads directly in inches of moisture received These measurements are compared with readings and conditions from previous years jears to predict any problems that might be developing Occasionally a gauge is tipped over or shot full of holes Vandalism is very costly and each time it occurs an entire years year's record is lost Therefore Dave Moore l watershed specialist asks that anyone finding one of these instruments leave it undisturbed because it itis itis itis is playing an important part in inthe inthe inthe the management of our national res resource u ce lands Ian oj i i. i n 11 7 Im |