Distributive, non-destructive real-time system and method for snowpack monitoring

An apparatus for determining snow-water equivalence for snow pack monitoring, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one wireless mote, wherein the wireless mote comprises:
• at least one processor;
• at least one random access memory (RAM);
• at least one flash memory unit;
• a communicator for wirelessly communicating;
• a program storage device readable by the mote, tangibly embodying a
• program of instructions executable by the mote to perform a method for collecting sensor data, managing power requirements, wireless transmitting sensor data, receiving control data;
• at least one gamma ray detector for measuring ambient gamma ray attenuation due to snowpack water content, wherein the at least one gamma ray detector is connectable to the wireless mote,
• a 2.4 GHz microwave source:
• a 2.4 GHz microwave detector paired with the 2.4 GHz microwave source, wherein the a 2.4 GHz microwave source and the 2.4 GHz microwave detector are connectable to the at least one wireless mote:
• a 5.1 GHz microwave source;
• and
• a 5.1 GHz microwave detector paired with the 5.1 GHz microwave source, wherein the a 5.1 GHz microwave source and the 5.1 GHz microwave detector are connectable to the at least one wireless mote.