Evaluating The Effects Of Precipitation And Wind Speed On Snow Water Equivalence Along An Elevation Gradient Using 30 Years Of LTER Snow-Pit Data
Brandes, HenryÌý1Ìý;ÌýHouston, NathanielÌý2Ìý;ÌýCarter, RogerÌý3Ìý;ÌýCushing, MelissaÌý4;ÌýSchuster, JessicaÌý5
1ÌýUniversity of Colorado at É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
Long term trends of precipitation and wind speed were evaluated along elevation gradients to assess the dominant effects on snow water equivalence (SWE) using current and historical records of Long-Term Ecological (LTER) research data collected at Niwot Ridge (NWT), 35 km west of É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, Colorado. Data was collected weekly during winter snow cover at NWT-LTER snow-pit sites: C-1 (3021 m), Soddie (3345 m), and the alpine station—Saddle (3528 m). Student interns from the University of Colorado at É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ dig snow-pits to measure and record snow depth and density. Snow-pit data was coupled with 30-year historical LTER climate data to evaluate principle effects of wind speed and precipitation on SWE along an elevational gradient. Historical climate records from NWT LTER (1980-present) indicate general warming trends across all elevations. Average April 1 SWE for the years 1981-2013 was 11.7 inches at the NWT SnoTel site in the subalpine at 3021 m a.s.l, and we aim to assess SWE measurements for March, April, and May 1st across the elevation gradients of sub-alpine to alpine environments. NWT has one of the longest historical records of manual snow-pit data, providing an excellent source for evaluating trends in snow water equivalence and snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains, essential for water management in Colorado.