Factors affecting snow evaporation in the White Mountains of Arizona.

Abstract

Statistical analytical techniques were used to describe the relationships of quantifiable factors to snow evaporation and to compare evaporation rates among three selected forest sites. The statistical analysis was divided into two phases. In the first phase a stepwise multiple regression and a correlation analytical technique was used to determine the effect of selected independent variables on snow evaporation. In the second phase a one way analysis of variance and the Duncan s Multiple Range Test were used to compare evaporation rates on three forest densities. It was concluded that wind-vapor pressure deficit interaction, solar radiation, vapor pressure, and wind were the factors most closely correlated with snow evaporation. An equation was formulated using the above terms. With the use of U. S. Weather Bureau instruments and records, snow evaporation can be predicted within the area of study. Snow evaporation rates were found to be higher on the cleared site than on the thinned and unthinned sites. Evaporation rates decrease with an increase in basal area.