Snow accumulation and ablation on adjacent forested and clearcut sites in southeastern British Columbia

TitleSnow accumulation and ablation on adjacent forested and clearcut sites in southeastern British Columbia
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1986
AuthorsToews, D. A. A., and Gluns D. R.
Conference Name54th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 54th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1986
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationPhoenix, Arizona
KeywordsSnow ablation, Snow accumulation, Timber harvesting
Abstract

A synoptic survey of adjacent forested and clearcut sites was undertaken to determine differences in snow accumulation and rate of ablation and to investigate regional patterns with respect to elevation and aspect. Snow accumulation as measured on 60 sites over a 3 year period averaged 37% greater on clearcut sites whereas snow ablation rates as measured on 15 sites were 38% faster. Synoptic relatioNships of accumulation to aspect and elevation were generally weak. Local comparisons between adjancent north and south slopes indicated a 16% greater accumulation on north slopes than south slopes. The weekly snow ablation rates varied between aspects with peak seasonal ablation occurring earlier on the south aspect than the north aspect. Also, the snow disappearance was 7 and 14 days earlier on the south than the north forest and clearcut, respectively. These differences in melt rates and disappearance dates between high energy and low energy aspects can be used to purposefully desynchronize water delivery to channels.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1986Toews.pdf