A Comparison of Rainfall Data Obtained from Rain-Gage Measurements and Changes in Lake Levels

Abstract

During the Lake Hefner evaporation studies of 1950-1951, changes in lake stage were measured with great accuracy. Rainfall records were obtained using a network of 22 standard 8-in rain gages. In the present study, the lake was considered to be an immense rain gage, and the changes in lake stage were used as a measure of the rainfall. A comparison was then made with the average catch of the 22 rain gages around and on the lake. This catch was 10 per cent less than the rise in stage on the lake. The data indicate that strong winds reduce the catch in the rain gages.