Colorado State University Snow Hydrology Courses

The following snow hydrology courses are currently being taught or will be taught.

Spring 2004 - [ WR 674 ] Modeling in Snow Hydrology
[ WR 575 ] Snow Hydrology Field Methods
Fall 2004 - [ WR 474 ] Snow Hydrology
[ WR 574 ] Advanced Topics in Snow Hydrology
Spring 2005 - [ WR 406 ] Seasonal Snow Environments
[ WR 575 ] Snow Hydrology Field Methods
Fall 2005 - [ WR 474 ] Snow Hydrology
[ WR 574 ] Advanced Topics in Snow Hydrology

WR 406 - Seasonal Snow Environments (formerly ER 406)

This course will examine the measurement of snowpack properties and various components of the winter hydrologic cycle, the assessment of snow safety and survival in alpine or polar terrain. This field-based course may be physically demanding to some.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: written consent of the instructor
Credits: 3

WR 474 - Snow Hydrology (formerly ER 474)

This course will examine snow processes and to relate the processes to the hydrologic cycle. Physical and conceptual methods of modelling the processes will be addressed. Techniques for measuring the different states and change rates will be discussed.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: WR 416, CE 322 or EV 322
Credits: 3

WR 574 - Advanced Topics in Snow Hydrology (formerly ER 574)

This course will examine snow processes and to relate the processes to the hydrologic cycle. Physical and conceptual methods of modelling the processes will be addressed. Techniques for measuring the different states and change rates will be discussed. This course will be taught with WR 474 with an extra hour to discuss advanced topics.
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: WR 416, CE 322 or EV 322
Credit not allowed for both WR 474 and WR 574
Credits: 4

WR 575 - Snow Hydrology Field Methods (formerly ER 695V)

This course 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 convene for a week in March during or after Spring Break in the San Juan mountains of Colorado where snow will be studied first-hand, as well as participants will perform snow survey of the Upper Rio Grande Basin. 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.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: At least one course each in physics, calculus, chemistry, and ecology is strongly recommended.
Credits: 1

WR 674 - Modeling in Snow Hydrology (formerly ER 674)

This course will discuss modeling spatial distribution of snow, snow-covered area, and snow melt, including the use of operational and research snow models.
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: WR 474 or WR 574
Credits: 3
contact the instructor:
Steven Fassnacht
(voice +1.970.491.5454)
srf@cnr.colostate.edu
Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship
College of Natural Resources
Colorado State University
Last update: SRF, 2003.XI.21