Objectives:

• To compare snow accumulation and ablation in regenerating forests with recent clearcuts and mature forests.
• Develop hydrological recovery curves for regenerating forests based on differences in snow accumulation and ablation patterns.

Experimental Design:

This project investigates the attributes of forested and regenerating stands and compares them to the differences in snow accumulation and ablation. For the Lassie Lake (Trapping Creek) location, snow is measured on 14 - 10 point locations. The methodology for measuring snow is provided in the working plan for EP 967.01. For the Murphy Creek location, snow is measured on 3 - 10 point locations. At all locations, forest attributes are measured using the methodology outlined in EP 967.03.

The analysis will be in two phases. An ANOVA analysis will be used to compare peak snow water equivalent at each site. Also, vegetation characterisics will be related to snow accumulation and ablation using regression techniques. These analysis are used to develop "greenup curves".

Layout:

• Trapping Creek
• Murphy Creek

History:

• Snow measurements and vegetation measurements began in 1991
• 2000 - remeasured Trapping Creek and part of Murphy Creek.

Status: Dormant, to be remeasured later

Reports and Publications:

Toews, D.A.A. and R. Eremko, 1994. Hydrological recovery in the Interior of B.C. When does it occur? Draft Report.

Comments:

The trapping Creek location was visited during the SISCO Summer Workshop, September 2001