Making use of melting snow

I went outside this afternoon to do something (can't for the life of me remember what it was, though) and noticed that despite the really cold temperatures outside, we had some melting snow trickling down the roof drains.

Once again, it made me want to set up some rainwater retention barrels.  My current plan is to build a structure about 3' above the ground and set up two separate rainwater collection barrels tied into our downspout by the garage.  That will collect rainwater and snowmelt and allow for gravity-fed watering to the front and at least part of the side garden.

Last year, I bought a few plastic barrels off somebody through craigslist with the idea of putting them to use for rainwater collection.  I got so busy with other projects that I never got around to doing the work, though.

This spring, it shall be done!