Trends in seasonal snowpack and their relation to climate variables in mountain catchments in Czechia

Abstract

This study investigated trends in snowpack for the period 1965–2014 in 40 catchments located in five mountain regions in Czechia. We analysed daily series of air temperature, precipitation, and snow water equivalent (SWE) that were simulated with a conceptual model. The Mann-Kendall test showed strong increasing trends in air temperature at all elevations, mostly at the end of the cold season. This increase caused a decrease in snowfall fraction and SWE. Maximum SWE decreased mainly in western parts of Czechia (by up to −45 mm/decade). The length of the snow-covered period decreased by up to −6.8 days/decade, mainly due to earlier melt-out. Snowpack was more sensitive to changes in air temperature at elevations below 900 m a.s.l., while precipitation had a larger impact on snowpack at elevations above 1200 m a.s.l. The relative importance of air temperature for snow variability increased at all elevations in the last few decades.