Precipitation data for A1 chart recorder, 1952 - 1964.

Precipitation data were collected from a ridgetop climate station east of Niwot Ridge (A1 at 2195 m) throughout the year using chart recorders. Initially, instrumentation consisted of an 8-inch metal rain gauge with the receiving rim about 3 feet above the ground and measurements were made on an approximately weekly basis. More recently, instrumentation consisted of a Fergusson-type weighing rain gauge. Precipitation was caught in a bucket containing ethylene glycol (to melt snow) and light oil (to prevent evaporation). As the weight of the bucket increased, the pen moved up via a spring mechanism and recorded on a rotating chart. Precipitation was recorded on a continuous basis.