Snowpack Chemistry Monitoring Protocol for the Rocky Mountain Network; Narrative and Standard Operating Procedures
Ingersoll GP, Campbell D, Mast MA, Clow DW, Nanus L, Frakes B. 2009. Snowpack Chemistry Monitoring Protocol for the Rocky Mountain Network; Narrative and Standard Operating Procedures. U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, Virginia
Since 1993, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Forest Service, and others, has operated the long-term Rocky Mountain Snowpack program. A network of more than 50 snowpack-sampling sites was designed to annually monitor atmospheric-deposition chemistry in high-elevation watersheds of the Rocky Mountains. The protocol used in the Rocky Mountain Snowpack program to sample snowpacks for chemical constituents and snow-water equivalent (SWE) is presented and critical elements of applied snowpack-sampling methods are discussed. Twenty-one standard operating procedures give instructions for consistent, long-term monitoring in the National Park Service Rocky Mountain Network. The Rocky Mountain Network consists of an inventory and monitoring network created by the National Park Service and implemented in Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. To develop an understanding of optimal spacing distances between snowpack-sampling points in the Rocky Mountain Network, historical data from snowpack-sampling sites were evaluated. Differences in six key variables (SWE and concentrations of selected major constituents: ammonium, calcium, hydrogen, nitrate, and sulfate) between sampling sites at local scales are discussed to offer guidelines for determination of sample spacing, physical settings, and elevations for sampling sites. Results show that a preference should be given to establishing snowpack-sampling sites in forest clearings rather than in open meadows. Results also indicate that snowfall in meadows may not fully represent atmospheric deposition, and forest clearings offer more representative snowpack-sampling sites. Further, SWE and concentrations can be influenced by elevation differences of about 500 meters.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Ingersoll, George; Campbell, Don; Mast, M; Clow, David; Nanus, Leora; Frakes, Brent
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Publisher
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Units
- GLAC , GRSA , IMDP , ROMN , ROMO
- Keywords
- Chemistry, Climate, ROMN Snow Protocol, Snow, Snowpack, Weather
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Air and Climate | Air Quality | Wet and Dry Deposition , Ecological Framework: Air and Climate | Weather and Climate | Weather and Climate