Science in Practice Portal

The proper location of precipitation gages will improve the reliability of rainfall records and management decisions. Most BLM districts maintain a network of storage precipitation gages. Many of these have been in operation for 15 or more years. If the gages were not properly placed when installed, records can be in error as much as 25 per cent.
To improve the reliability of precipitation information, gage locations should be reviewed for adequate placement. If found to be in poor locations, gages should be moved to better sites. However, when a gage is relocated, its past record should be retained for possible future adjustment based on data at the new location.