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Site Overview Observations Site Map Data
Basin / Site Name
Nelson - Saskatchewan River Basin
Country; Province/State
Canada
Website
https://research-groups.usask.ca/hydrology/index.php
Operational Management
Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan
Oversight/Contacts
NameRoleContact Information
Julie Thériault
Project PI
theriault.julie@uqam.ca
John Pomeroy
Site PI
john.pomeroy@usask.ca
Basin / Site Location (Centroid Coordinates)
Coordinate Format
Latitude
Longitude
Degrees Minutes Seconds
Decimal Degrees
50.83221
-115.2431
Purpose / Scientific Focus
Fortress Mountain was established for snow and weather monitoring in the Rocky Mountain Front Ranges. It has multiple stations for measuring the accumulation and melt of snow in great detail on mountain ridgetops, subalpine forests and in deep drift locations, as well as streamflow gauges. There are studies on groundwater and alpine wetlands, forest–snow interactions, storms over the continental divide, blowing snow, and snow remote sensing with drones and lidar systems. See also: https://inarch.usask.ca/science-basins/fortress.php
Location (Physiographic Region)
Situated in the Kananaskis Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Front Ranges.
Area (km2)
5.92 km2
Elevation (m; Mean, Maximum, Minimum)
1,786 – 2,832 m
Description (Physical–Ecological–Climatic Characteristics)
The basin contains complex terrain with steep slopes and high cliffs. Climate is highly seasonal with variability due to winter Chinooks and summer snowfalls, but typically has long cold winters and cool wet summers falling in the humid continental category. Forest cover consists mainly of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)
Drainage / River System
Drainage is to the Bow River via the Kananaskis River, part of the South Saskatchewan River system
Site History or Historical Context
A ski resort was in operation here since the 1960s but closed in 2007, although a cat skiing operation has continued. Beginning in 2013-14 the site was instrumented with seven snow and weather monitoring stations. The site has more snowfall than other lower elevation parts of the Kananaskis Valley. It is surrounded by, but outside of the boundaries of provincial parks and recreation areas, it has an access road to high elevations, access to facilities and power supply, and support and safety personnel on site. Over the last decade it has been an active site for hydrological research and instrument testing
Years of Data
Data are avaialble since 2014
Glacierized Area (% and year(s) measured)
Main Land Cover(s)
Mainly forest and alpine meadows; upper parts of the basin (less than 20% area) are alpine, with rock and talus
Lithology / Soils
Limestone and shale. The surface geology is predominantly well drained glacial till consequent of the most recent glaciation, overlaying fractured bedrock with varying thickness.
J F M A M J J A S O N D A
Mean Monthly and Annual Temperature (°C)
−2.2°C (2565 m), 0.04°C (2100 m)
J F M A M J J A S O N D A
Mean Total Monthly and Annual Precipitation (mm)
1052 mm (2100 m)
Snow Characteristics
Cold, deep, and highly redistributed snow by wind and avalanching in open areas
Additional Noteworthy Characteristics of Basin/Site
Observation Stations
TypeStation NameLatitudeLongitudeElevationNotes / Details
Meteorological
Powerline
50.82598
-115.1982
2,100 m
Meteorological
Canadian Ridge
50.8215
-115.2063
2,211 m
Meteorological
Canadian Ridge North
50.8216
-115.2065
2,205 m
Meteorological
Bonsai
50.82092
-115.2139
2,099 m
Meteorological
Fortress Ledge
50.83004
-115.22851
2,565 m
Meteorological
Fortress Ridge
50.83642
-115.22049
2,327 m
Meteorological
Fortress Ridge South
50.83823
-115.2157
2,306 m
Hydrometric
Fortress Creek staff stream gauge
50.82710
-115.20912
2,025 m
Automatic pressure level logger recording, seasonal staff stream gauging, estimated streamflow discharge based on rating curves
Hydrometric
Bonsai Creek staff stream gauge
50.82057
-115.21360
2,103 m
Automatic pressure level logger recording, seasonal staff stream gauging, estimated streamflow discharge based on rating curves
Meteorological Variables and Sensor Details
VariableStation NameSensor(s)Height / Depth (m)Record PeriodMeasurement FrequencyNotes / Details
SnowTemp150
FortressRidgeSouth
Type E Thermocouple
150 cm
10s
SnowTemp20
FortressRidgeSouth
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
10s

Rainfall
FortressRidgeSouth
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
2.82 m
10s

SignalQuality
FortressRidgeSouth
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s

SnowDepth
FortressRidgeSouth
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s

Horizontal_100cm_Checksum10
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_P_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_P_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_C_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_C_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_C_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_Checksum9
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_P_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_P_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_C_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_C_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_C_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_Checksum8
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_P_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_P_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_C_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_C_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_C_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Checksum7
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_P_Hifreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_P_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_C_HiFreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_C_Lowfreq
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_C_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Checksum6
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input5
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input4
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input3
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input2
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Checksum5
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input1_2
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Chip_Temperature
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Analog_Input1_1
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Snow_Depth
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Snow_Depth_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_Checksum4
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_SWE
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_Snow_Density
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_Water_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_Ice_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_100cm_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_Checksum3
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_SWE
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_Snow_Density
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_Water_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_Ice_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_50cm_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_Checksum2
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_SWE
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_Snow_Density
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_Water_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_Ice_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Horizontal_15cm_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_Checksum1
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_SWE
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_Snow_Density
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slpoe_Water_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_Ice_Content
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Slope_ID
FortressRidgeSouth
SPA
10s

Raw Counts
FortressRidgeSouth
Snowfox
10cm below surface
10s

Temperature_Load_Cell
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Bucket_NRT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Bucket_RT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Accumulated_Total_NRT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Accumulated_NRT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Accumulated_RT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
10s

Intensity_RT
FortressRidgeSouth
Pluvio
2.72m
10s

HFP
FortressRidgeSouth
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
10s

Rhcorrected
FortressRidgeSouth
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
FortressRidgeSouth
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
3.04 m
10s

SoilTemp_650
FortressRidgeSouth
CS650x
2 cm below surface
10s

EC
FortressRidgeSouth
CS650x
2 cm below surface
10s

VWC
FortressRidgeSouth
CS650x
2 cm below surface
10s

net_rad
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

albedo
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

net_long
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

net_short
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_dn_Corr
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_up_corr
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

cnr4_T_K
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

cnr4_T_C
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_dn
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_up
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

short_dn
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

short_up
FortressRidgeSouth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
10s

WindDir
FortressRidgeSouth
05103-10 Wind Monitor
10s

WindSpeed
FortressRidgeSouth
05103-10 Wind Monitor
5.2 m
10s

PluvioWind
FortressRidgeSouth
014
10s

SnowTemp150
FortressRidge
Type E Thermocouple
150 cm
10s

SnowTemp20
FortressRidge
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
10s

Rainfall
FortressRidge
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
3.04 m
10s

SignalQuality
FortressRidge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s

SnowDepth
FortressRidge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.17 m
10s

HFP
FortressRidge
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
2 cm below surface
10s

Rhcorrected
FortressRidge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
FortressRidge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.94 m
10s

SoilTemp_650
FortressRidge
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s

EC
FortressRidge
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s

VWC
FortressRidge
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s

Pressure
FortressRidge
CS106 Barometric Pressure Sensor
10s

net_rad
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

albedo
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

net_long
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

net_short
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_dn_Corr
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_up_corr
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

cnr4_T_K
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

cnr4_T_C
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_dn
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

long_up
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

short_dn
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s

short_up
FortressRidge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
10s

WindDir
FortressRidge
05130AP-10 Wind Monitor
10s

WindSpeed
FortressRidge
05130AP-10 Wind Monitor
5.73 m
10s

SnowTemp_150cm
CanadianRidgeNorth
Type E Thermocouple
146 cm
10s
SnowTemp_20cm
CanadianRidgeNorth
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
10s
Rainfall
CanadianRidgeNorth
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
1.43m
10s
SignalQuality
CanadianRidgeNorth
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s
SnowDepth
CanadianRidgeNorth
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.48 m
10s
Sensor orientated on slope
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum8
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Hifreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Lowfreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Hifreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Lowfreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Checksum7
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Hifreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Lowfreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_C_HiFreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_C_Lowfreq
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_C_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Checksum6
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input5
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input4
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input3
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input2
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Checksum5
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_2
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Chip_Temperature
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_1
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum2
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_SWE
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Snow_Density
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Water_Content
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Ice_Content
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_Checksum1
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_SWE
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_Snow_Density
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_Water_Content
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Slope_Ice_Content
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s

Slope_ID
CanadianRidgeNorth
SPA
10s
Temperature_Load_Cell
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_NRT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_RT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_Total_NRT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_NRT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_RT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
Intensity_RT
CanadianRidgeNorth
Pluvio
10s
HFP
CanadianRidgeNorth
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
2 cm below surface
10s
Rhcorrected
CanadianRidgeNorth
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
CanadianRidgeNorth
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.63m
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
130 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
90 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
45 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
20 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidgeNorth
CS650
1 - 11 cm below surface
10s
net_rad
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
albedo
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
net_long
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
net_short
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_dn_Corr
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_up_corr
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
cnr4_T_K
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
cnr4_T_C
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_dn
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_up
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
short_dn
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
short_up
CanadianRidgeNorth
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.40m
10s
Sensor orientated on slope
WindDir
CanadianRidgeNorth
05103-10 Wind Monitor
5.58m
10s
WindSpeed
CanadianRidgeNorth
05103-10 Wind Monitor
5.58 m
10s
PluvioWind
CanadianRidgeNorth
014
2.52m
10s
SnowTemp_150cm
CanadianRidge
Type E Thermocouple
10s
SnowTemp_20cm
CanadianRidge
Type E Thermocouple
10s
SignalQuality
CanadianRidge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s
SnowDepth
CanadianRidge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s
Sensor orientated on slope
HFP
CanadianRidge
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
10s
Rhcorrected
CanadianRidge
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
CanadianRidge
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.61m
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidge
CS650
120 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidge
CS650
60 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
VWC
CanadianRidge
CS650
35 cm below surface
10s
SoilTemp_650
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
EC
CanadianRidge
CS650
10s
SnowTemp_150cm
Bonsai
Type E Thermocouple
1.25m
10s
SnowTemp_20cm
Bonsai
Type E Thermocouple
0.10 m
10s
Rainfall
Bonsai
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
3.59 m
10s
SignalQuality
Bonsai
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s
SnowDepth
Bonsai
SR50A Sonic Ranger
1.13m
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum8
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Hifreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Lowfreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Hifreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Lowfreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Checksum7
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Hifreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Lowfreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_C_HiFreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_C_Lowfreq
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_C_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Checksum6
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input5
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input4
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input3
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input2
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Checksum5
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_2
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Chip_Temperature
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_1
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum2
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_SWE
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Snow_Density
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Water_Content
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Ice_Content
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_Checksum1
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_SWE
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_Snow_Density
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slpoe_Water_Content
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_Ice_Content
Bonsai
SPA
10s
Slope_ID
Bonsai
SPA
10s
US Wind Direction
Bonsai
Sonic Anemometer
10s
US Wind Speed
Bonsai
Sonic Anemometer
3.45m
10s
Temperature_Load_Cell
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_NRT
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_RT
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_Total_NRT
Bonsai
Pluvio
2.82 m
10s
Accumulated_NRT
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_RT
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
Intensity_RT
Bonsai
Pluvio
10s
HFP
Bonsai
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
0.02 m below ground
10s
Rhcorrected
Bonsai
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
Bonsai
HC2-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
3.43 m
10s
Geonor
Bonsai
Geonor
2.79m
10s
SoilTemp_650
Bonsai
CS650
10s
EC
Bonsai
CS650
25
10s
60
VWC
Bonsai
CS650
10s
net_rad
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
albedo
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
net_long
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
net_short
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_dn_Corr
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_up_corr
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
cnr4_T_K
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.00 m to Kout
10s
cnr4_T_C
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_dn
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
long_up
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
short_dn
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
short_up
Bonsai
CNR4 Net Radiometer
10s
WindDir
Bonsai
05103 Atmp
10s
WindSpeed
Bonsai
05103 Atmp
5.74 m
10s
PluvioWind
Bonsai
014
3.66 m
10s
Snow Temperature
Powerline
Type E Thermocouple
150 cm
10s
Snow Temperature
Powerline
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
10s
Rainfall
Powerline
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
4.16 m
10s
Signal Quality
Powerline
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.17 m
10s
Snow Depth
Powerline
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.17 m
10s
Horizontal_100cm_Checksum10
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_P_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_P_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_C_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_C_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_C_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_Checksum9
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_P_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_P_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_C_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_C_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_C_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum8
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_P_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_C_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Checksum7
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Hifreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_P_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_C_HiFreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_C_Lowfreq
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_C_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Checksum6
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input5
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input4
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input3
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input2
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Checksum5
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_2
Powerline
SPA
10s
Chip_Temperature
Powerline
SPA
10s
Analog_Input1_1
Powerline
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth
Powerline
SPA
10s
Snow_Depth_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_Checksum4
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_SWE
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_Snow_Density
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_Water_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_Ice_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_100cm_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_Checksum3
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_SWE
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_Snow_Density
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_Water_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_Ice_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_50cm_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum2
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_SWE
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Snow_Density
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Water_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_Ice_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Horizontal_15cm_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
Rainfall
FortressLedge
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
2.87 m
10s
SignalQuality
FortressLedge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
10s
SnowDepth
FortressLedge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.08 m
10s
Rhcorrected
FortressLedge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
AirTemp
FortressLedge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.2 m
10s
Pressure
FortressLedge
CS106 Barometric Pressure Sensor
inside box
10s
WindDir
FortressLedge
05103-10 Wind Monitor
10s
WindSpeed
FortressLedge
05103-10 Wind Monitor
3.15 m
10s
Slope_Checksum1
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_SWE
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_Snow_Density
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slpoe_Water_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_Ice_Content
Powerline
SPA
10s
Slope_ID
Powerline
SPA
10s
SWE
Powerline
SnowScale
10s
Temperature_Load_Cell
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_NRT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Bucket_RT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_Total_NRT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_NRT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Accumulated_RT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Intensity_RT
Powerline
Pluvio
10s
Multiple
Powerline
Parsivel
2.96 m
10s
Soil Heat Flux
Powerline
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
2 cm below surface
10s
RH
Powerline
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
4.32 m
10s
RH corrected for saturation vapour pressure over water and ice
Air Temperature
Powerline
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
4.32 m
10s
Soil Temp
Powerline
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s
Electroconductivity
Powerline
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s
Volumetric Water Content
Powerline
CS650
2 cm below surface
10s
Barometric Pressure
Powerline
CS106 Barometric Pressure Sensor
10s
Net Radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Albedo
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Net longwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Net shortwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Corrected outoing longwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Corrected incoming longwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Sensor temperature
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Outgoing longwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Incoming longwave radiation
Powerline
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.31 m
10s
Wind Direction
Powerline
05103-10 Wind Monitor
5.25 m
10s
Wind Speed
Powerline
05103-10 Wind Monitor
5.25 m
10s
Wind Speed
Powerline
14
2.61 m
10s
Air Temperature
Fortress Ledge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.2 m
RH
Fortress Ledge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.2 m
Wind Speed
Fortress Ledge
05103-10 Wind Monitor
3.15 m
Wind Direction
Fortress Ledge
05103-10 Wind Monitor
3.15 m
Snow Depth
Fortress Ledge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.08 m
Signal Quality
Fortress Ledge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.08 m
Barometric Pressure
Fortress Ledge
CS106 Barometric Pressure Sensor
inside box
Rainfall
Fortress Ledge
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
2.87 m
Air Temperature
Fortress Ridge South
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.8 m
RH
Fortress Ridge South
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.8 m
Wind Speed
Fortress Ridge South
05103-10 Wind Monitor
2.8 m
Wind Direction
Fortress Ridge South
05103-10 Wind Monitor
2.8 m
Snow Depth
Fortress Ridge South
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.8 m
Slope 21
Signal Quality
Fortress Ridge South
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.8 m
Incoming shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Outgoing shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Incoming longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Outgoing longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Sensor temperature
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Corrected incoming longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Corrected outoing longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Net shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Net longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Albedo
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Net Radiation
Fortress Ridge South
CNR4 Net Radiometer
2.8 m
Rainfall
Fortress Ridge South
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
2.82 m
Volumetric Water Content
Fortress Ridge South
CS650
2 cm below surface
Electroconductivity
Fortress Ridge South
CS650
2 cm below surface
Soil Temp
Fortress Ridge South
CS650
2 cm below surface
Soil Heat Flux
Fortress Ridge South
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
Snow Temperature
Fortress Ridge South
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
Snow Temperature
Fortress Ridge South
Type E Thermocouple
150 cm
Air Temperature
Fortress Ridge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.94 m
Solid Precipitation
Fortress Ridge South
Pluvio
2.72m
Wind Speed
Fortress Ridge South
014 - Met One
cosmis ray counts
Fortress Ridge South
Snowfox
10cm below surface
RH
Fortress Ridge
HC-S3 Temperature & Humidity Probe
2.94 m
Wind Speed
Fortress Ridge
05130AP-10 Wind Monitor
5.73 m
Wind Direction
Fortress Ridge
05130AP-10 Wind Monitor
5.73 m
Snow Depth
Fortress Ridge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.17 m
Signal Quality
Fortress Ridge
SR50A Sonic Ranger
2.17 m
Incoming shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Outgoing shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Incoming longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Outgoing longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Sensor temperature
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Corrected incoming longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Corrected outoing longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Net shortwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Net longwave radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Albedo
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Net Radiation
Fortress Ridge
CNR4 Net Radiometer
3.27 m
Barometric Pressure
Fortress Ridge
CS106 Barometric Pressure Sensor
Rainfall
Fortress Ridge
TB4 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
3.04 m
Volumetric Water Content
Fortress Ridge
CS650
2 cm below surface
Electroconductivity
Fortress Ridge
CS650
2 cm below surface
Soil Temp
Fortress Ridge
CS650
2 cm below surface
Soil Heat Flux
Fortress Ridge
HFP01 Soil Heat Flux Plate
2 cm below surface
Snow Temperature
Fortress Ridge
Type E Thermocouple
20 cm
Snow Temperature
Fortress Ridge
Type E Thermocouple
150 cm
3D Sonic Wind
Fortress Ridge
CSAT3
Water vapour flux
Fortress Ridge
KH20
Canadian Ridge North
TBD

Stated 2024-12-06
Canadian Ridge
TBD

Stated 2024-12-06
Bonsai
TBD

Stated 2024-12-06
Powerline
TBD
Stated 2024-12-06
Additional Notes and Details on Meteorological Observations
For all meteorological stations, please download the sensors list corresponding to the station at: https://inarch.usask.ca/science-basins/fortress.php
Other Hydrological and Cryospheric Measurements and Observations
MeasurementInstrumentation DescriptionSpatial / Temporal Resolution and CoverageNotes / Details
Terrestrial Laser Scanner
2013-2014 field season
UAV Sensors
AltaX with lidar/thermal/RGB/multispectral
Every 2-4 weeks during winter
Snow Pits/Snow Surveys
several manual snow survey transects located in and above alpine treeline, in subalpine forest and forest clearings
Snow Pack properties
SPA (Sommer)
Fortress Ridge South
Variable Names:
Slope_ID
Slope_Ice_Content
Slpoe_Water_Content
Slope_Snow_Density
Slope_SWE
Slope_Checksum1
Horizontal_15cm_ID
Horizontal_15cm_Ice_Content
Horizontal_15cm_Water_Content
Horizontal_15cm_Snow_Density
Horizontal_15cm_SWE
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum2
Horizontal_50cm_ID
Horizontal_50cm_Ice_Content
Horizontal_50cm_Water_Content
Horizontal_50cm_Snow_Density
Horizontal_50cm_SWE
Horizontal_50cm_Checksum3
Horizontal_100cm_ID
Horizontal_100cm_Ice_Content
Horizontal_100cm_Water_Content
Horizontal_100cm_Snow_Density
Horizontal_100cm_SWE
Horizontal_100cm_Checksum4
Snow_Depth_ID
Snow_Depth
Analog_Input1_1
Chip_Temperature
Analog_Input1_2
Checksum5
Analog_Input_ID
Analog_Input2
Analog_Input3
Analog_Input4
Analog_Input5
Checksum6
Slope_C_ID
Slope_C_Lowfreq
Slope_C_HiFreq
Slope_P_Lowfreq
Slope_P_Hifreq
Checksum7
Horizontal_15cm_C_ID
Horizontal_15cm_C_Lowfreq
Horizontal_15cm_C_Hifreq
Horizontal_15cm_P_Lowfreq
Horizontal_15cm_P_Hifreq
Horizontal_15cm_Checksum8
Horizontal_50cm_C_ID
Horizontal_50cm_C_Lowfreq
Horizontal_50cm_C_Hifreq
Horizontal_50cm_P_Lowfreq
Horizontal_50cm_P_Hifreq
Horizontal_50cm_Checksum9
Horizontal_100cm_C_ID
Horizontal_100cm_C_Lowfreq
Horizontal_100cm_C_Hifreq
Horizontal_100cm_P_Lowfreq
Horizontal_100cm_P_Hifreq
Horizontal_100cm_Checksum10
Modelling (Model Applications, Purpose, Advancements, etc.)
Hydrometeorological data measured from stations have been gone through Quality Control (QC) procedures. The missing gaps in the QC data have been infilled using various interpolation techniques (i.e. spatial station regression and temporal averaging interpolation). The gap-infilled QC data have been used to create forcing data for hydrological modelling. The hydrological models are tested against SWE observed from snow surveys and streamflow discharge measured at stream gauges. The purpose of model testing is to identify inadequacy in the model and improve processes representation in cold regions hydrology. The developed hydrological model can be used as tool to evaluate hydrological impacts of climate change and forest disturbance. In addition, hydrological models have been used for evaluating accuracy of alternative model forcings such as model outputs from GEM 2.5 KM high resolution or bias corrected WRF-GEM-CaPa 10 KM model outputs, which is quite useful by utilizing high quality hydrometeorological data measured from stations. This can be applied to future study when outputs from the advanced atmospheric models become available.
Basin
Nelson - Saskatchewan River Basin
Map of Site
Map Not Available
Display
View on Global Map
Digital Elevation Model
2 m lidar and higher resolution from UAV-lidar for <2500 masl
Landcover and Soils
Alberta Landsat-derived land cover (ABMI), with updates from site visits, UAV-lidar point cloud (canopy height model and other derivatives)
Stream/River Network
Stream network delineated from Topaz GIS analysis using 2 m Lidar DEM
Basin Delineation / Shapefile
using 2 m Lidar DEM
Datasets and Real-time Data Feeds
Data Centre Postings
Other Datasets and Real-time Data Feeds
Datasets: https://gwfnet.net/Metadata/Record/T-2024-11-27-21Knr122hzS06MgWMo0BlMkA Real-time Data: Bonsai: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/Bonsaichart.html Canadian Ridge: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/CanadianRidgechart.html Canadian Ridge North: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/CanadianRidgeNorthchart.html Fortress Ledge: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/FortressLedgechart.html Fortress Ridge: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/FortressRidgechart.html Fortress Ridge South: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/FortressRidgeSouthchart.html Powerline: https://giws1.usask.ca/cfh/Fortress/Powerlinechart.html
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