From Mountaintops to Streams: How High-Elevation, Low-Power Advanced RWIS Stations are Improving Alaska's Weather Forecasting

Author: Kristina Levine, Geoscientist, Geo-Watersheds Scientific; Chris Stinson, Kyle Sobek, Ron Paetzold, and George "Bub" Mueller.

Video Presentation

Abstract

Weather stations at high elevations are notoriously difficult to install and maintain due to high winds, blowing snow, ice accumulation, and rugged mountainous terrain. However, the data they provide is essential for improving meteorological forecasts. In a combined effort between the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Avalanche Program and Geo-Watershed Scientific, the challenge to design, install, and upgrade existing high-elevation stations was successfully met. The group provided Winter Hazards Advanced RWIS (Winter Hazards) Stations at seven locations within the Kenai and Chugach mountain ranges. Each station was designed with a focus on low power, robust hardware, and improved data standards. Low power usage enables stations to survive long Alaskan winters, which can quickly drain and damage batteries at solar powered sites. This was achieved by utilizing a Campbell Scientific data acquisition system. A Campbell Scientific power budget spreadsheet was used to plan out all sensors and device current use to optimize station power performance. Sensors were chosen based on quality, power requirements, and durability against cold temperatures. Backup anchoring and cable protections were installed to ensure station resilience. Remote power monitoring and control equipment (a smart charge controller, CH201) was added to minimize data outages by facilitating preventative maintenance. Additionally, multiple data standards were met by providing various data files. This allows diverse end users like the DOT RWIS Network, NOAA, MesoWest, Federal Highways, and avalanche forecasters to easily ingest and utilize the data in their forecasts and other applications. Thorough documentation (metadata) was developed to guide station operations and maintenance. It is the hope of the group that these stations will serve as examples for future high-elevation stations throughout Alaska.

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