Differential Snowpack Accumulation and Soil Water Dynamics in Aspen and Conifer Communities: Implications for Water Yield

TitleDifferential Snowpack Accumulation and Soil Water Dynamics in Aspen and Conifer Communities: Implications for Water Yield
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference2007
AuthorsLaMalfa, E. M., Leffler A. J., and Ryel R. J.
Conference Name75th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 75th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 2007
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationKailua-Kona, HI
KeywordsSWE, conifer, aspen, snow interception, sublimation, soil saturation
Abstract

Differences in snow water equivalent (SWE) in aspen and conifer stands in winters with low to high precipitation, sublimation rates of intercepted snow by conifer branches, and dynamics of soil moisture under aspen and conifer stands were in northern Utah. For low, average and high snowpack years, conifer stands averaged 33-44% lower SWE than paired aspen stands. Sublimation rates for sunlit simulated conifer branches were up to twice that of the ground snow surface; shaded branches had similar rates to the ground snow surface. When combined with the greater surface area of snow on conifer branches, sublimation could explain all or most of the differences in SWE between conifer and aspen stands. Soil column water content was generally higher in aspen throughout all periods of the year. For 2006, aspen stands were estimated to yield 400+ mm more water than the adjacent conifer stands and have saturated soil columns. In 2007, we predict that aspen soils will nearly reach saturation while conifer soils will be 100 mm below saturation.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/2007LaMalfa.pdf