Soil moisture and soil temperature are measured at enhanced SNOTEL sites
using the type of sensor shown below.
Photo A shows the standard depths for placement of soil moisture / soil temperature sensors at
2, 8, and 20 inches from the top of the mineral soil, i.e. under the organic/duff layer.
Once sensors are inserted into the undisturbed soil profile the holes used during installation are backfilled.
Photo B shows a completed installation where orange rebar caps mark the location of the sensor transect (dotted white line).
Photo A: Installation of Soil Moisture and Soil Temperature Sensors at South Mountain SNOTEL -- 6,500 feet -- Owyhee River Basin
Photo B: Rebar marks the finished soil moisture / temperature sensor transect at
South Mountain SNOTEL -- 6,500 feet -- Owyhee River Basin