Bucks Summit 1 - CRNS Soil Monitoring Station Install

The California Department of Water Resources, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, is installing a Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) monitoring station at Bucks Summit within the Plumas National Forest to monitor soil moisture and water content in the Feather River watershed. The project involves the installation of a 5.5 by 8 foot triangular steel and aluminum frame secured by anchors driven 1.5 feet into the ground. This frame will support an antenna, tipping bucket rain gage, air temperature probe, solar panel, and a data logger enclosure containing a sealed 12-volt DC battery. The system will utilize three CRNS sensors from Quaesta Instruments, with two positioned above ground and one installed in a 7 by 7 inch trench 3.5 feet long to measure snow water content. Additionally, the installation includes five in situ soil moisture probes placed at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 centimeters, requiring the excavation of a temporary 5 by 5 by 4 foot soil pit. All underground components will be connected to the data logger via buried cables in conduit, with all excavation and backfilling performed using hand tools. This project is classified as a forecast under NAICS code 541360 and has been deemed categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines 15304 and 15306 for minor alterations to land and information collection.