Articles | Volume 15, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1423-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1423-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
19 Mar 2021
Research article |
| 19 Mar 2021
| 19 Mar 2021
Two-dimensional liquid water flow through snow at the plot scale in continental snowpacks: simulations and field data comparisons
Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering,
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
Keith Jennings
Lynker, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Department of Geography, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, USA
Stefan Finsterle
Finsterle GeoConsulting, Kensington, CA 94708, USA
Steven R. Fassnacht
Ecosystem Science and Sustainability – Watershed Science, Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Coopertive Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Kajsa Holland-Goon, Randall Bonnell, Daniel McGrath, W. Brad Baxter, Tate Meehan, Ryan Webb, Chris Larsen, Hans-Peter Marshall, Megan Mason, and Carrie Vuyovich
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This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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As part of the NASA SnowEx23 campaign, we conducted detailed snowpack experiments in Alaska’s boreal forests and Arctic tundra. We collected ground-penetrating radar measurements of snow depth along 44 short transects. We then excavated the snowpack from below the transects and measured snow depth, noting any vegetation and void spaces. We used the detailed in situ measurements to evaluate uncertainties in ground-penetrating radar and airborne lidar methods for snow depth retrieval.
Kori L. Mooney and Ryan W. Webb
The Cryosphere, 19, 2507–2526, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, 2025
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This study observes the movement of snow water equivalence (SWE) during mid-winter surface melt and spring snowmelt periods. We observed that the south-facing slope that experienced mid-winter surface melt events showed meltwater flowing downslope through the snow. The north-facing slope saw a similar redistribution of meltwater during the spring snowmelt period.
Tate G. Meehan, Ahmad Hojatimalekshah, Hans-Peter Marshall, Elias J. Deeb, Shad O'Neel, Daniel McGrath, Ryan W. Webb, Randall Bonnell, Mark S. Raleigh, Christopher Hiemstra, and Kelly Elder
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Snow water equivalent (SWE) is a critical parameter for yearly water supply forecasting and can be calculated by multiplying the snow depth by the snow density. We combined high-spatial-resolution snow depth information with ground-based radar measurements to solve for snow density. Extrapolated density estimates over our study area resolved detailed patterns that agree with the known interactions of snow with wind, terrain, and vegetation and were utilized in the calculation of SWE.
Jack Tarricone, Ryan W. Webb, Hans-Peter Marshall, Anne W. Nolin, and Franz J. Meyer
The Cryosphere, 17, 1997–2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1997-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1997-2023, 2023
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Mountain snowmelt provides water for billions of people across the globe. Despite its importance, we cannot currently measure the amount of water in mountain snowpacks from satellites. In this research, we test the ability of an experimental snow remote sensing technique from an airplane in preparation for the same sensor being launched on a future NASA satellite. We found that the method worked better than expected for estimating important snowpack properties.
Ryan W. Webb, Steven R. Fassnacht, and Michael N. Gooseff
The Cryosphere, 12, 287–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-287-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-287-2018, 2018
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We observed how snowmelt is transported on a hillslope through multiple measurements of snow and soil moisture across a small headwater catchment. We found that snowmelt flows through the snow with less infiltration on north-facing slopes and infiltrates the ground on south-facing slopes. This causes an increase in snow water equivalent at the base of the north-facing slope by as much as 170 %. We present a conceptualization of flow path development to improve future investigations.
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As part of the NASA SnowEx23 campaign, we conducted detailed snowpack experiments in Alaska’s boreal forests and Arctic tundra. We collected ground-penetrating radar measurements of snow depth along 44 short transects. We then excavated the snowpack from below the transects and measured snow depth, noting any vegetation and void spaces. We used the detailed in situ measurements to evaluate uncertainties in ground-penetrating radar and airborne lidar methods for snow depth retrieval.
Kori L. Mooney and Ryan W. Webb
The Cryosphere, 19, 2507–2526, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, 2025
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This study observes the movement of snow water equivalence (SWE) during mid-winter surface melt and spring snowmelt periods. We observed that the south-facing slope that experienced mid-winter surface melt events showed meltwater flowing downslope through the snow. The north-facing slope saw a similar redistribution of meltwater during the spring snowmelt period.
Tate G. Meehan, Ahmad Hojatimalekshah, Hans-Peter Marshall, Elias J. Deeb, Shad O'Neel, Daniel McGrath, Ryan W. Webb, Randall Bonnell, Mark S. Raleigh, Christopher Hiemstra, and Kelly Elder
The Cryosphere, 18, 3253–3276, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3253-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3253-2024, 2024
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Snow water equivalent (SWE) is a critical parameter for yearly water supply forecasting and can be calculated by multiplying the snow depth by the snow density. We combined high-spatial-resolution snow depth information with ground-based radar measurements to solve for snow density. Extrapolated density estimates over our study area resolved detailed patterns that agree with the known interactions of snow with wind, terrain, and vegetation and were utilized in the calculation of SWE.
Jack Tarricone, Ryan W. Webb, Hans-Peter Marshall, Anne W. Nolin, and Franz J. Meyer
The Cryosphere, 17, 1997–2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1997-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1997-2023, 2023
Short summary
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Mountain snowmelt provides water for billions of people across the globe. Despite its importance, we cannot currently measure the amount of water in mountain snowpacks from satellites. In this research, we test the ability of an experimental snow remote sensing technique from an airplane in preparation for the same sensor being launched on a future NASA satellite. We found that the method worked better than expected for estimating important snowpack properties.
Molly E. Tedesche, Erin D. Trochim, Steven R. Fassnacht, and Gabriel J. Wolken
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-143, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-143, 2022
Publication in TC not foreseen
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Perennial snowfields in the Brooks Range of Alaska are critical for the ecosystem and provide caribou habitat. Caribou are a crucial food source for rural hunters. The purpose of this research is to map perennial snowfield extents using several remote sensing techniques with Sentinel-1 and 2. These include analysis of Synthetic Aperture Radar backscatter change and of optical satellite imagery. Results are compared with field data and appear to effectively detect perennial snowfield locations.
Keith S. Jennings and Noah P. Molotch
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3765–3786, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3765-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3765-2019, 2019
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There is a wide variety of modeling methods to designate precipitation as rain, snow, or a mix of the two. Here we show that method choice introduces marked uncertainty to simulated snowpack water storage (> 200 mm) and snow cover duration (> 1 month) in areas that receive significant winter and spring precipitation at air temperatures at and near freezing. This marked uncertainty has implications for water resources management as well as simulations of past and future hydroclimatic states.
Keith S. Jennings, Timothy G. F. Kittel, and Noah P. Molotch
The Cryosphere, 12, 1595–1614, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1595-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1595-2018, 2018
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We show through observations and simulations that cold content, a key part of the snowpack energy budget, develops primarily through new snowfall. We also note that cold content damps snowmelt rate and timing at sub-seasonal timescales, while seasonal melt onset is controlled by the timing of peak cold content and total spring precipitation. This work has implications for how cold content is represented in snow models and improves our understanding of its effect on snowmelt processes.
Steven R. Fassnacht, Jared T. Heath, Niah B. H. Venable, and Kelly J. Elder
The Cryosphere, 12, 1121–1135, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1121-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1121-2018, 2018
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We conducted a series of experiments to determine how snowpack properties change with varying snowmobile traffic. Experiments were initiated at a shallow (30 cm) and deep (120 cm) snow depth at two locations. Except for initiation at 120 cm, snowmobiles significantly changed the density, hardness, ram resistance, and basal layer crystal size. Temperature was not changed. A density change model was developed and tested. The results inform management of lands with snowmobile traffic.
Freddy A. Saavedra, Stephanie K. Kampf, Steven R. Fassnacht, and Jason S. Sibold
The Cryosphere, 12, 1027–1046, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1027-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1027-2018, 2018
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This manuscript presents a large latitude and elevation range analysis for snow trends in the Andes using satellite images (MODIS) snow cover product. The research approach is also significant because it presents a novel strategy for defining trends in snow persistence from remote sensing data, and this allows us to improve understanding of climate change effects on snow in areas with sparse and unevenly ground climate data.
Ryan W. Webb, Steven R. Fassnacht, and Michael N. Gooseff
The Cryosphere, 12, 287–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-287-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-287-2018, 2018
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We observed how snowmelt is transported on a hillslope through multiple measurements of snow and soil moisture across a small headwater catchment. We found that snowmelt flows through the snow with less infiltration on north-facing slopes and infiltrates the ground on south-facing slopes. This causes an increase in snow water equivalent at the base of the north-facing slope by as much as 170 %. We present a conceptualization of flow path development to improve future investigations.
Graham A. Sexstone, Steven R. Fassnacht, Juan Ignacio López-Moreno, and Christopher A. Hiemstra
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2016-188, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2016-188, 2016
Revised manuscript has not been submitted
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Seasonal snowpacks vary spatially within mountainous environments and the representation of this variability by modeling can be a challenge. This study uses high-resolution airborne lidar data to evaluate the variability of snow depth within a grid size common for modeling applications. Results suggest that snow depth coefficient of variation is well correlated with ecosystem type, depth of snow, and topography and forest characteristics, and can be parameterized using airborne lidar data.
S. R. Fassnacht, M. L. Cherry, N. B. H. Venable, and F. Saavedra
The Cryosphere, 10, 329–339, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-329-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-329-2016, 2016
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We used 60 years of daily meteorological data from 20 stations across the US Northern Great Plains to examine climate trends, focusing on the winter climate. Besides standard climate trends, we computed trends in snowfall amounts, days with precipitation, days with snow, and modelled winter albedo (surface reflectivity). Daily minimum temperatures and days with precipitation increased at most locations, while winter albedo decreased at many stations. There was much spatial variability.
S. R. Fassnacht and M. Hultstrand
Proc. IAHS, 371, 131–136, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-371-131-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-371-131-2015, 2015
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Snowpack properties vary over distance. Water resources managers use operational data to estimate streamflow, while scientists use snow data models to understand climate and hydrology. We suggest that there is the individual measurements in a snowcourse be used to address uncertainty. Further, over the long term trends may not be obvious but increasing and decreasing trends can exist over shorter time periods, as seen in Northern Colorado. Such trends mirror global temperature patterns.
R. M. Records, M. Arabi, S. R. Fassnacht, W. G. Duffy, M. Ahmadi, and K. C. Hegewisch
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4509–4527, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4509-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4509-2014, 2014
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We demonstrate a framework to assess system sensitivity to combined climate and land cover change scenarios. In the western United States study watershed, findings suggest that mid-21st-century nutrient and sediment loads could increase significantly or show little change under no wetland losses, depending on climate scenario, but that the combined impact of climate change and wetland losses on nutrients could be large.
G. A. Sexstone and S. R. Fassnacht
The Cryosphere, 8, 329–344, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-329-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-329-2014, 2014
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Discipline: Snow | Subject: Snow Hydrology
Aspect controls on the spatial redistribution of snow water equivalence through the lateral flow of liquid water in a subalpine catchment
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Impact of intercepted and sub-canopy snow microstructure on snowpack response to rain-on-snow events under a boreal canopy
Towards large-scale daily snow density mapping with spatiotemporally aware model and multi-source data
Drone-based ground-penetrating radar (GPR) application to snow hydrology
Natural climate variability is an important aspect of future projections of snow water resources and rain-on-snow events
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Kori L. Mooney and Ryan W. Webb
The Cryosphere, 19, 2507–2526, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2507-2025, 2025
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This study observes the movement of snow water equivalence (SWE) during mid-winter surface melt and spring snowmelt periods. We observed that the south-facing slope that experienced mid-winter surface melt events showed meltwater flowing downslope through the snow. The north-facing slope saw a similar redistribution of meltwater during the spring snowmelt period.
Bertrand Cluzet, Jan Magnusson, Louis Quéno, Giulia Mazzotti, Rebecca Mott, and Tobias Jonas
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We use novel wet-snow maps from Sentinel-1 to evaluate simulations of a snow-hydrological model over Switzerland. These data are complementary to available in situ snow depth observations as they capture a broad diversity of topographic conditions. Wet-snow maps allow us to detect a delayed melt onset in the model, which we resolve thanks to an improved parametrization. This paves the way to further evaluation, calibration, and data assimilation using wet-snow maps.
Benjamin Bouchard, Daniel F. Nadeau, Florent Domine, Nander Wever, Adrien Michel, Michael Lehning, and Pierre-Erik Isabelle
The Cryosphere, 18, 2783–2807, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2783-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2783-2024, 2024
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Observations over several winters at two boreal sites in eastern Canada show that rain-on-snow (ROS) events lead to the formation of melt–freeze layers and that preferential flow is an important water transport mechanism in the sub-canopy snowpack. Simulations with SNOWPACK generally show good agreement with observations, except for the reproduction of melt–freeze layers. This was improved by simulating intercepted snow microstructure evolution, which also modulates ROS-induced runoff.
Huadong Wang, Xueliang Zhang, Pengfeng Xiao, Tao Che, Zhaojun Zheng, Liyun Dai, and Wenbo Luan
The Cryosphere, 17, 33–50, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-33-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-33-2023, 2023
Short summary
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The geographically and temporally weighted neural network (GTWNN) model is constructed for estimating large-scale daily snow density by integrating satellite, ground, and reanalysis data, which addresses the importance of spatiotemporal heterogeneity and a nonlinear relationship between snow density and impact variables, as well as allows us to understand the spatiotemporal pattern and heterogeneity of snow density in different snow periods and snow cover regions in China from 2013 to 2020.
Eole Valence, Michel Baraer, Eric Rosa, Florent Barbecot, and Chloe Monty
The Cryosphere, 16, 3843–3860, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3843-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3843-2022, 2022
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The internal properties of the snow cover shape the annual hygrogram of northern and alpine regions. This study develops a multi-method approach to measure the evolution of snowpack internal properties. The snowpack hydrological property evolution was evaluated with drone-based ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. In addition, the combination of GPR observations and time domain reflectometry measurements is shown to be able to be adapted to monitor the snowpack moisture over winter.
Michael Schirmer, Adam Winstral, Tobias Jonas, Paolo Burlando, and Nadav Peleg
The Cryosphere, 16, 3469–3488, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3469-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3469-2022, 2022
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Rain is highly variable in time at a given location so that there can be both wet and dry climate periods. In this study, we quantify the effects of this natural climate variability and other sources of uncertainty on changes in flooding events due to rain on snow (ROS) caused by climate change. For ROS events with a significant contribution of snowmelt to runoff, the change due to climate was too small to draw firm conclusions about whether there are more ROS events of this important type.
Nora Helbig, Yves Bühler, Lucie Eberhard, César Deschamps-Berger, Simon Gascoin, Marie Dumont, Jesus Revuelto, Jeff S. Deems, and Tobias Jonas
The Cryosphere, 15, 615–632, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-615-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-615-2021, 2021
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The spatial variability in snow depth in mountains is driven by interactions between topography, wind, precipitation and radiation. In applications such as weather, climate and hydrological predictions, this is accounted for by the fractional snow-covered area describing the fraction of the ground surface covered by snow. We developed a new description for model grid cell sizes larger than 200 m. An evaluation suggests that the description performs similarly well in most geographical regions.
Ryan L. Crumley, David F. Hill, Jordan P. Beamer, and Elizabeth R. Holzenthal
The Cryosphere, 13, 1597–1619, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-1597-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-1597-2019, 2019
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In this study we investigate the historical (1980–2015) and projection scenario (2070–2099) components of freshwater runoff to Glacier Bay, Alaska, using a modeling approach. We find that many of the historically snow-dominated watersheds in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve may transition towards rainfall-dominated hydrographs in a projection scenario under RCP 8.5 conditions. The changes in timing and volume of freshwater entering Glacier Bay will affect bay ecology and hydrochemistry.
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Short summary
We simulate the flow of liquid water through snow and compare results to field experiments. This process is important because it controls how much and how quickly water will reach our streams and rivers in snowy regions. We found that water can flow large distances downslope through the snow even after the snow has stopped melting. Improved modeling of snowmelt processes will allow us to more accurately estimate available water resources, especially under changing climate conditions.
We simulate the flow of liquid water through snow and compare results to field experiments. This...
