We will cover the basics of snow formation in the atmosphere, distribution on the land surface, metamorphosis through the season,
avalanche dynamics, water supply issues, and streamflow generation. The course will meet for two organizational meetings
during the first half of the semester and then convene for the week of Spring Break in the mountains
of Colorado where we will study snow first-hand, as well as participate in a snow survey.
Note: This course will be physically demanding, requiring winter backcountry travel using skis or snowshoes and digging snow pits (up to 3 m deep), all at elevations from 8000 to 12000 ft.
This week-long field course will offer hands-on experience in snow hydrology, especially for the student who would like to see an overview and field methods in one course. Each day there will be two lectures of 1.25 hours each (12.5 hours of lecture), and 5 hours of field activities (25 hours of field exercises). Each student will write a project, briefly analyzing and discussing the field data collected.
Course Objectives: A successful student will be able to measure snowpack properties and estimate the error associated with the measurements, collect snowpack field data, and understand snowpack processes.
Instructor: Steven Fassnacht <srf@cnr.colostate.edu> NR335
Registration Condition: Consent of the instructor is required.
Course Prerequisites: None. Enrollment in a graduate program.
Credit: One.
Grading: Grades will be based on class and field participation, and an analysis of the collected field data.
Required Texts
A course primer will be distributed prior to the practicuum.