The dynamics of liquid water in deep snow‐packs

Abstract

Any solution of the snow‐melt problem which will improve the forecasting of floods as well as forecasting of agricultural and industrial water‐supplies is dependent upon a knowledge of the hydromechanic and dynamic potentials which influence the retention and discharge of water by the snow‐mantle. A deep snow‐pack is relatively permeable. During the spring melting‐season, water from the melting‐snow surface percolates through the pack and is discharged to streams and reservoirs by overland paths or flow in the soil beneath the snow. Under some conditions, heavy rain upon the snow‐blanket may not be reflected by appreciable changes in river‐stages. Under other conditions rain upon the snow‐pack may produce serious floods.