Satisfies the Water Resources Area Elective

Snow is a significant component of the hydrologic cycle in high latitude and high elevation environments.  It is also a significant part of engineering design and practice that is frequently overlooked. In this course, we will examine spatial controls on snow accumulation and the dynamics of snowmelt processes through readings of recent research in snow hydrology, field assays of snow distribution, and analytical exercises.  Of particular interest will be the importance of snow to regional water resources in diverse geographic settings and the role of snow in water resource engineering.

Class meetings will be divided between seminar-styled sessions in which we will discuss current research in the field of snow hydrology and laboratory sessions that will include field exercises at sites in the area and laboratory exercises to practice analytical methods for evaluating snowpack properties and processes.