We monitor water in several ways at Cary Institute, including precipitation volume, snow depth, soil water content, soil temperature, the freeze/thaw state of soil at several depths and stream flow, temperature and conductivity.
Precipitation
Precipitation volume data since 2004 are from the USCRN station at Cary Institute. From 1988 to 2004 we used a mechanical weighing bucket rain gauge and from 1983-1988 we used the volume of precipitation in the precipitation collector used for chemistry monitoring. Data are available in hourly and daily increments and 5-minute increments from the USCRN.
Stream Temperature, Flow and Conductivity
Our stream gauging station is located on the East Branch of Wappinger Creek at a site called the Fern Glen where we monitor stream height, temperature and specific conductance. Data are logged every 15 minutes. Using stream height measurements and an estimate of the cross-sectional area of the stream, we estimate the volume of water flowing in the stream. We have continuous data from 1993-present.
Soil Moisture & the Freeze/Thaw State of Soil
Soil water content, soil temperature and the freeze/thaw state of soil are critical for understanding droughts, floods and movement of water through the landscape. In addition, to data collected at the CRN station, we collected data with the USDA ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory at a number of stations between 2011 and 2025. In addition, we supported the SMAPVEX 19-22 calibration-validation mission to improve SMAP measurements over forested terrains.