International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: As the Snow Goes, A Multivariable Study of Factors that Affect Loss of Snow

• • Title: As the Snow Goes, A Multivariable Study of Factors that Affect Loss of Snow

    Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2004 International Snow Science Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

    Authors:

    • Erica David  [ Pinedale High School, PO Box 279, Pinedale, WY 82941 ]

    Date: 2004

    Abstract: What are effects of environmental factors on sublimation of snow pack? There is a need to retain winter’s snow pack to improve water supply during drought. Literature research provided information about sublimation, tree types, water supply, and snow pack variables. One intent of this project was to evaluate relationships of air temperature on tree branch resistance, because that affects unloading of intercepted snow from trees. A second intent was to evaluate effects of environmental factors on sublimation of snow. Procedures included two experiments. The first experiment used two conifer trees, a spring scale, and temperature probe to test flexibility of tree branches as temperature fluctuated over a 24-hour period. The second experiment tested effects of air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed on the mass of five ice and snow objects of varying shapes and densities over a 24-hour period. Two of the three branch resistance experiment hypotheses were supported. As temperature dropped, branches’ resistance to bending increased, and as temperature increased, branches’ resistance to bending decreased. Testing of Hypothesis 2 of the branch bending experiment could not be finalized because temperature did not drop to a low enough level to find maximum resistance. All five of the sublimation experiment hypotheses were supported. As air temperature, wind speed, and object irregularity increased, sublimation increased. Also as relative humidity and object density decreased, sublimation increased. This current research can be used to emphasize the need to capture snow in dense, smooth snow pack wherever additional stored moisture will be needed in the spring. These results will help us improve our ability to retain as much snow for water supply as possible and more accurately predict probable spring water supply, as well as help us understand what is happening “As the Snow Goes!”

    Object ID: issw-2004-022-031.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Unknown

    Keywords: intercepted snow, branch resistance, sublimation, snow pack, water supply

    Page Number(s): 22-31

    Subjects: snow pack water supply snow density

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