Type curves and variability of annual snowfall: State of Washington

TitleType curves and variability of annual snowfall: State of Washington
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1941
AuthorsChurch, P. E.
Conference Name9th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 9th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedJanuary 1941
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part I-B:
Conference LocationSacramento, California
KeywordsSnow cover distribution
Abstract

Graphs of average snow depth against months, for over 100 locations in the State of Washington were drawn from data taken over a period of 23 years. The graphs were sorted into groups according to characteristics such as shape of curve, continuity of snow cover, maximum depths, etc. The curves fell into 7 main groups, O-, D-, P-, M-, J-, F-, S-. It was found that types were logically distributed topographically. Polar Pacific air is a dominant factor on snow cover west of the Cascades. Altitude, position with respect to mountains, and influence of polar air masses are other factors affecting snowfall and snow cover in the State. The standard deviation and the coefficient of variation for 107 stations are tabulated and indicate a variation with the type of snow.