The dynamics of liquid water in deep snowpacks

TitleThe dynamics of liquid water in deep snowpacks
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1945
AuthorsGerdel, R. W.
Conference Name13th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 13th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedFebruary 1945
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part I:
Conference LocationSacramento, California
KeywordsSnow quality, Snowmelt runoff
Abstract

Any solution of the snow melt problem which will improve the forecasting of floods as well as forecasting of agricultural and industrial water supplies is dependent upon a knowledge of the hydromechanics and dynamic potentials which influence the retention and discharge of water by the snowmantle. As a result of studies made of the dynamics of free water in the snowpack at the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, conclusions are drawn on the melting process of the snowpack. Thermodynamic phenomena associated with the melting or metamorphosis of the snowpack are also discussed, together with techniques of measuring the factors associated with these phenomena. Data are tabulated and graphical representation show relations of factors involved.