The Independence Pass Station was installed and began collecting data in the summer of 2016. Located at an elevation of around 12,080ft (3,680m), the station is located near a stand of alpine willows. This particular stand is of interest because of its high elevation. This ecology of this area is heavily influenced by snow depth and snow persistence in the spring. As the climate changes, warming could have significant impacts on this ecosystem. This station is powered by solar panel and transmits its data via satellite.

Soil at a glance:

Sandy Loam | 7.0 % organic matter | 16.2 ppm NO3 | 18.4 ppm P | pH 4.8

Measurements:

Air Temperature | Relative Humidity | Rain | Snow Depth | Soil Moisture at 2, 8, and 20in (5, 20, and 51cm) | Soil Temperature at 8in (20cm)

Live data are collected every 120 minutes and transmitted every four hours. These data have not been checked for anomalies or potential false readings. Soil moisture readings have not been calibrated, and rain readings should not be considered accurate when temperatures are below freezing.

Archived data offer daily averages or daily maximum and minimum readings for each sensor. These data have been calibrated and undergone basic QC. However, rain readings should not be considered accurate when temperatures are below freezing.

Archived data available through CUAHSI (linked below) are updated annually.

Time Lapse Phenocam

In addition to the equipment found at other iRON stations, the Independence Pass Station has also been equipped with a phenocam funded by the Independence Pass Foundation. The first set of time lapse photos from August 2016 to November 2017 can be seen above. Photos are taken for 10 minutes each morning and evening.

Watch an Installation Time Lapse

This station was installed in August of 2016. Storm clouds moved in, cutting short the installation process on the first day. The second installation date, several days later, shows a dusting of snow that melts in just a few hours while installation is being carried out.

Funders:

This station was funded by the John Denver Aspenglow Fund and the Independence Pass Foundation. It is sited on Pitkin County Open Space and Trails land, and it is managed by AGCI.