For more than 60 years, SRC’s Climate Reference Station (CRS) in Saskatoon, SK has provided high quality and consistent climatological observations that address climate change effects and the increased climate variability on the Prairies. A sister station became operational January 1, 2012, at the Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) south of Prince Albert, SK.

Both sites are classified as principal climatological stations with supplementary climatological observations. Both follow World Meteorological Organization and Environment Canada standards.

• Hourly readings of elements, including temperature, precipitation amount, humidity, wind and atmospheric pressure
• Supplemental observations include rate of rainfall, soil temperature, grass temperature, snow depth, soil moisture and bright sunshine, as well as diffuse and global solar radiation
• Annual data subscriptions, telephone inquiries and archive retrieval
• Long-term climate trends evaluation
• Climate impact assessment on society, economy, health and ecosystems
• Program development (e.g., air quality, biodiversity and climate change monitoring)

The stations are used in various programs within SRC, including spray drift work and the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS). We also collaborate with various Canadian universities and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative.