Snow profile measurements: Seasonal event history
Snow observations conducted through out the snow season have been conducted by ES students between 1995 and 2005. Snow cover changes albedo, surface temperature, and dramatically changes the conditions for all wildlife and plant communities. The length of time, depth, temperature and seasonal variations all play a role in these conditions. We have been recording many of these feature.
Recording depth of accumulated snow and new snow
Accumulated Snow: A single measure of the depth of snow may not be accurate because snow may move when it falls. Some areas will be blown clear while others will be piled into drifts of snow. To account for such differences, it is necessary to average a number of depth measurements. Snow Measurement Poles are made of 2 cm x 2 cm x 1 meter (or longer) sticks or PVC pipes with an attached measuring tape showing centimetres of depth. You will need to vary the length of the snow poles used depending upon maximum snow falls in your area. Five Snow Measurement Poles are placed at five meter intervals along a transect in an open, level area that will not be disturbed during the winter. Snow Measurement Poles are pinned on a flat clear ground surface before any snow falls. Snow depth measurements are made at each Pole at regular times (i.e. once a week) and after each new snow fall. Record snow depth to the nearest cm. Take these measurements without disturbing the snow around the Snow Measurement Pole. Set a track used to observe snow depths at least three meters from the snow poles.
New Snow Depth: One additional Snow Measurement Pole should located in an area free from drifting snow. This pole is used to measure depth of new snowfalls. After each snowfall, a piece of heavy white paper with a hole in the middle is slid over the snow pole covering the new snow. With the next snowfall, the depth of new snow is then recorded as the depth of snow on top of the paper. Each successive snowfall requires a new piece of paper. record snow depth to the nearest cm. Try not to disturb the snow near this Snow Measurement Pole.
More Detailed Snow Studies
The following protocols provide a number of more detailed studies of snow. They include observations and measurements of snow pack, identification and measurement of layers in the snow pack, temperature variations, calculations of the water equivalence of the snow pack, identification of the snow crystal type and size in different layers in the snow pack, and the hardness of layers in the snow pack.
Snow pack studies
A snow study site: The Snow Pit: A pit is dug in the snow to conduct these studies. It should have a smooth face that points away from direct sunlight. The pit should be large enough for two or three people to work in it. Locate snow pits in areas that have not been disturbed since the first snowfall and will not disturb other snow studies. All observations and measurements will be made along the smooth wall surface.
Snow layers: Layers of different textures and types of snow form and change in the snow pack. Begin by gently pushing a plastic card (Snow Card) vertically through the snow pack. You may be able to feel the layers more easily than you can see them. Identify the boundaries between each layer. Make a series of steps of each layer along the smooth face of the snow pit. Measure and record the thickness of each layer starting at the ground level. Draw a line across the data sheet at the corresponding height of the boundary layers. Count and record the number of layers.
Snow Temperature Variation: Snow insulates the ground and moderates the temperature changes between the air and the ground. Temperature measurements should be taken as soon as the snow pit has been dug. The thermometer should be carefully inserted to its full extent into the snow. Be careful, thermometers will break very easily! Sufficient time should be allowed for the thermometer to equilibrate (approx. 3 minutes). Temperatures are taken at five regular intervals between the ground and the snow surface. Also record the air temperature in the shade. Record and plot these snow temperatures on the data chart.
Snow observations conducted through out the snow season have been conducted by ES students between 1995 and 2005. Snow cover changes albedo, surface temperature, and dramatically changes the conditions for all wildlife and plant communities. The length of time, depth, temperature and seasonal variations all play a role in these conditions. We have been recording many of these feature.
Recording depth of accumulated snow and new snow
Accumulated Snow: A single measure of the depth of snow may not be accurate because snow may move when it falls. Some areas will be blown clear while others will be piled into drifts of snow. To account for such differences, it is necessary to average a number of depth measurements. Snow Measurement Poles are made of 2 cm x 2 cm x 1 meter (or longer) sticks or PVC pipes with an attached measuring tape showing centimetres of depth. You will need to vary the length of the snow poles used depending upon maximum snow falls in your area. Five Snow Measurement Poles are placed at five meter intervals along a transect in an open, level area that will not be disturbed during the winter. Snow Measurement Poles are pinned on a flat clear ground surface before any snow falls. Snow depth measurements are made at each Pole at regular times (i.e. once a week) and after each new snow fall. Record snow depth to the nearest cm. Take these measurements without disturbing the snow around the Snow Measurement Pole. Set a track used to observe snow depths at least three meters from the snow poles.
New Snow Depth: One additional Snow Measurement Pole should located in an area free from drifting snow. This pole is used to measure depth of new snowfalls. After each snowfall, a piece of heavy white paper with a hole in the middle is slid over the snow pole covering the new snow. With the next snowfall, the depth of new snow is then recorded as the depth of snow on top of the paper. Each successive snowfall requires a new piece of paper. record snow depth to the nearest cm. Try not to disturb the snow near this Snow Measurement Pole.
More Detailed Snow Studies
The following protocols provide a number of more detailed studies of snow. They include observations and measurements of snow pack, identification and measurement of layers in the snow pack, temperature variations, calculations of the water equivalence of the snow pack, identification of the snow crystal type and size in different layers in the snow pack, and the hardness of layers in the snow pack.
Snow pack studies
A snow study site: The Snow Pit: A pit is dug in the snow to conduct these studies. It should have a smooth face that points away from direct sunlight. The pit should be large enough for two or three people to work in it. Locate snow pits in areas that have not been disturbed since the first snowfall and will not disturb other snow studies. All observations and measurements will be made along the smooth wall surface.
Snow layers: Layers of different textures and types of snow form and change in the snow pack. Begin by gently pushing a plastic card (Snow Card) vertically through the snow pack. You may be able to feel the layers more easily than you can see them. Identify the boundaries between each layer. Make a series of steps of each layer along the smooth face of the snow pit. Measure and record the thickness of each layer starting at the ground level. Draw a line across the data sheet at the corresponding height of the boundary layers. Count and record the number of layers.
Snow Temperature Variation: Snow insulates the ground and moderates the temperature changes between the air and the ground. Temperature measurements should be taken as soon as the snow pit has been dug. The thermometer should be carefully inserted to its full extent into the snow. Be careful, thermometers will break very easily! Sufficient time should be allowed for the thermometer to equilibrate (approx. 3 minutes). Temperatures are taken at five regular intervals between the ground and the snow surface. Also record the air temperature in the shade. Record and plot these snow temperatures on the data chart.