Quality assurance report for Loch Vale Watershed, 2010–19

First posted September 16, 2022 For additional information, contact: Director, Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. CFort Collins, CO 80526-8118 The Loch Vale Watershed Research and Monitoring Program collects long-term datasets of ecological biogeochemical parameters in Rocky Mountain National Park to support both (1) management this protected area (2) research into watershed-scale ecosystem processes as those respond atmospheric deposition climate variability. program data on precipitation depth chemistry—as well surface water biogeochemistry—within the watershed other areas park. These are used by resource managers, scientists, policy makers, students, so it is important that all collected meet high quality standards. This report presents an evaluation for precipitation, ammonia, samples from 2010 2019. also changes made monitoring laboratory equipment during study period describes new streams added project, including chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen two lakes: Sky Pond.Quality-assurance procedures looked at accuracy precision measurements over found chemistry were 99 percent accurate precise. Records failed standards removed published databases. From 2014, a colocated gauge collector installed site checks. 2014 2018, power loss resulted significant records snow seasons. Those problems addressed installing solar-power Measurements chemistry, ammonia deposition, biogeochemistry sufficiently complete consistent project needs.