Snowpack dynamics in relation to inventory-prediction variables in Arizona mixed-conifer.

Abstract

Several forest cutting prescriptions have been employed, particularly in the western United States, to alter snowpack distribution patterns to meet specific goals. One underlying factor that served as input to most of these projects was an understanding of the forest-terrain-snow interrelationships. The initial studies that led to the understanding of these physical processes came not through "trial and error" cutting prescriptions, but from observations made under natural forest conditions. To learn more about the forest-terrain-snow relationships of the mixed-conifer forests in Arizona, snowpack measurements were made on 93 plots for 6 different dates during the winter of 1973-1974. Subjecting these data to regression techniques, two sets of equations were developed representing the accumulation and melt periods and storage-duration index. These included equations containing only those variables obtained from a multiple use timber inventory and equations containing significant variables at an a = 0.1 level representing insolation, timber, elevation and exposure. Knowledge of these relationships could serve as input to a land manager's decision concerning the alteration of snowpack distribution to meet desired objectives.