Small Scale Spatial Variations Within The Snowpack On Niwot Ridge, Long Term Ecological Research Site
Semborski, Robert J 1 ; Gotthelf, Kendal M 2 ; Snyder, Danielle E 3 ; Howe, James B 4 ; Hewitt, Kelsey 5 ; Butler, Brent 6
1 University of Colorado, Geography Department
2 University of Colorado
3 University of Colorado, Environmental Studies
4 University of Colorado
5 University of Colorado
6 University of Colorado, Geography Department
Abstract: To understand how spatial variation on a small scale influences the snowpack, two snow-pit sites 100 meters apart are sampled at the Niwot Ridge (NWT) long-term ecological research (LTER) site 45 minutes west of Boulder, Colorado. Every Friday from January 2013 through March 2013 data is collected from two snow-pit sites: Soddie East and Soddie North. Student interns from the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) dig snow-pits to measure and record snow depth, density, temperature, grain size, grain type, and hardness for each layer that forms within the snowpack. Using the collected data, we aim to investigate how small scale spatial variability can influence the snowpack with regard to snow water equivalence (SWE) and snow metamorphism. Data collected at a small time scale and space scale annually provides excellent validation for modeling snow water equivalence and snowmelt timing in the Rocky Mountains, essential for water management in Colorado.