Climate induced change in the standard deviate of snow depth and water equivalent

TitleClimate induced change in the standard deviate of snow depth and water equivalent
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1994
AuthorsDracup, J. A., Sample J. P., and Wells P. M.
Conference Name62nd Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 62nd Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1994
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationSante Fe, New Mexico
KeywordsClimate change, El Niño, La Niña, Snow course data
Abstract

Data from 72 snow courses selected through the Anglo Pacific Coast of North America were analyzed in order to document the existence of a dramatic climate induced change in the standard deviate of snow depth and water equivalent that began in 1976. Temporal and spatial comparisons were made between each of the 72 snow courses. A pronounced decrease in the standard deviate of snow depth and water equivalent was evident for the courses located throughout the Pacific Northwest. The results suggest that the step-like anomaly ended after 1987, quite possibly coincident with the end of a sustained El Niño warming trend and the return of a La Niña cooling trend resulting from the Southern Oscillation cycle in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1994Dracup.pdf