Interceptioon and redistribution of snow in a subalpine forest on a storm-by-storm basis

TitleInterceptioon and redistribution of snow in a subalpine forest on a storm-by-storm basis
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1987
AuthorsWheeler, K.
Conference Name55th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 55th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1987
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationVancouver, British Columbia
KeywordsClearcuts, Interception, Redistribution
Abstract

Small clearcut openings in subalpine forests commonly have 30% greater snow water equivalence (SWE) than the surrounding forest. This may result from the clearings capturing wind transported snow. This study measured the SWE in a small clearcut and the surrounding forest on a storm-by-storm basis. The average windspeed and SWE for each storm were compared to determine the effect of wind on snow accumulation. Redistribution of intercepted snow between storms occurred once out of the 21 possible times. It accounted for 2% of the measured accumulation in the clearing. Regression of the percent difference in SWE between the upwind forest and the clearing versus windspeed showed a negative correlation (r = -0.74). Acculumation in the clearing decreased relative to the forrest as the average windspeed increased.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1987Wheeler.pdf