The relationship of snowpack density and water content changes of runoff on a small watershed in Arizona

TitleThe relationship of snowpack density and water content changes of runoff on a small watershed in Arizona
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1969
AuthorsFfolliott, P. F., and Thorud D. B.
Conference Name37th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 37th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1969
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationSalt Lake City, Utah
KeywordsAblation, Snowmelt research, Snowpack density
Abstract

A research project is discussed dealing with snow density and the development of an index to snow ‘ripening’ during the snowmelt season producing varying quantities of runoff. The object of this study was to obtain basic inventory data on the spatial and temporal variations in snowpack density and associated water content, and to relate these variations to hydrograph characteristics. Also, an attempt is made to determine how peak snowpack density and water content are affected by differences in timber stocking, elevation and insolation. The study was carried out on a 425-acre ponderosa pine watershed located in north-central Arizona. Snow samples were taken at 195 sampling points located in a grid fashion over the basin. Sets of samples were taken at regular intervals during the melt season.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1969Ffolliiott.pdf