Various forest canopy characteristics of stands of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.), including canopy density, the aerodynamic resistance to the transfer of water vapor, and the rates of change of drainage and evaporation of water with respect to canopy storage, were investigated using direct measurements of canopy mass and water storage. The measurements, made at sites located in Wales and Scotland, utilized the attenuation of a horizontal beam of gamma rays which was arranged to scan through the canopy at different levels. The aerodynamic resistance to the transport of water vapor from the canopy to a reference level 5 m above mean tree height was found to be consistent with the value of 3.5 s m⁻¹, determined from earlier modeling studies (I. R. Calder, 1977). This value is, however, lower and shows less wind speed dependence than would be expected from conventional formulae which are based on eddy diffusion theory and tree height. The possibility of explaining these discrepancies in terms of an additional transport mechanism involving large‐scale eddies is discussed.