The instrument site is located at Niwot Ridge on the eastern slope of the Front Range of Colorado (3517 m a.s.l., 40 03' N. 105 35' W). Niwot Ridge is a 10 km interfluve extending eastward from the Continental Divide, and is characterized by low rounded hills with shallow saddles in between. Treeline in this area is at approximately 3350 m. The instrument site is located in a relatively flat area above treeline within a broad saddle of the ridge. The high elevation and exposure of Niwot Ridge, and typically dry atmospheric conditions result in large clear-sky atmospheric transmissivity, increased solar insolation, low magnitudes of incident longwave radiation, low air temperatures, and high wind velocities. The depth of snow accumulation on Niwot Ridge is extremely variable, being influenced by the interaction of high wind velocities and topography. Windswept areas devoid of snow may be found immediately adjacent to depositional areas with accumulations in excess of 8 m.
For considerably more information about Niwot Ridge, please visit the Niwot Ridge LTER Home Page.