Snowpack ablation and associated processes in the subarctic forest near Fort Norman, N.W.T., Canada

Abstract

Ablation occurred most rapidly and was complete first on the cleared right-of-way. This was facilitated by thinner snowpack, warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds than in the undisturbed forest. Little ground storage of meltwater occurred until the second day of the study when subsurface (throughflow) movement of water was measured. At this time the active layer was melting and water was infiltrating the soil. The majority of snowmelt became runoff from the site. Evaporation and sublimation losses from the snowpack were small. -from Author