Off with Their Hoods

Nothing says “spring” at Hubbard Brook like removing weir hoods. It’s hard not be excited for the season to come—even while ankle deep in cool stream water or dangling dubiously over one of the nine weir basins.

Weir hoods help maintain accurate stream flow measurements during the winter months by preventing ice from forming in the weir’s v-notch. Often, the inside of the hood is heated with a small propane fueled flame during the coldest months of the year. The simple plywood and aluminum structures provide both insulation and protection, allowing water to flow freely through our weirs with a moderate amount of maintenance and care.

There are still feet of snow in the forest and Hannah and I are cold and soaked. We happily ride snow machines from weir to weir, waking them from their winter torpor, knowing that spring is sprung and warm summer days are just around the corner.