Mountain precipitation and hydrology for snow surveys

TitleMountain precipitation and hydrology for snow surveys
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1971
AuthorsFarnes, P. E.
Conference Name39th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 39th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1971
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationBillings, Montana
KeywordsForest canopy, Forest cover, Precipitation analysis, Snow water equivalent
Abstract

On snow course locations in timbered areas the amount of snow that occurs in open meadow situations is determined by adjusting snow course readings proportionately to the forest canopy cover at the sampling points. This open meadow or natural snowfall value for average April 1 snow water equivalent is compared to average annual precipitation at locations where both values are available. From this relationship, average annual precipitation is determined for all snow course sites. Using precipitation data and elevation, isohyets are drawn. The hydrology of various drainages is evaluated by determining the relationships between precipitation and runoff is obtained by determining the average annual precipitation for gaged drainage basins and comparing this to average runoff. By uning these relationships the average runoff for any basin can be estimated by using average annual precipitation over the basin.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1971Farnes.pdf