Precipitation networks

The Atmospheric Environment Service has no network density limitations for stations reporting precipitation. As general guidance it is suggested that gauge separations should be about 15 miles (24 kilometres) in rural areas; a higher density is desirable in more heavily populated areas, and in areas with marked orographic influences. For watershed studies and management, the density of stations should be based on a study of the requirements of each project. In areas of marked variation such as occur in mountainous regions, and coastlines, it is desirable to have long-term stations with exposure representative of the main physiographic features, for example slopes and valley bottoms. Other special networks of precipitation stations are established from time to time, perhaps for research projects or cooperative studies. They are usually operated for short periods in collaboration with universities, government agencies or industrial concerns. The map shows the distribution of precipitation stations in Canada. Most of the stations are located in the southern portion of the country.