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In this study we identify the physiographic and snowpack conditions currently represented by snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) stations in the Rio Grande headwaters. Based on 8 years of advanced very high-resolution radiometer data (1995–2002) a snow cover persistence index was derived. Snow cover persistence values at the seven SNOTEL sites ranged from 3·9 to 4·75, with an average 14% greater than the mean persistence of the watershed. Using elevation, western barrier distance, and vegetation density, a 32-node binary classification tree model explained 75% of the variability in average snow cover persistence. Terrain classes encompassing the Lily Pond, Middle Creek, and Slumgullion SNOTEL sites represented 4·1%,...
Terrestrial snow cover is of significance to global geophysical systems because of its influence on both climatological and hydrological processes. Snow cover acts as a layer which modifies energy exchange between the surface and atmosphere, and as the frozen storage term in the water balance, affecting runoff and streamflow. This review addresses two challenges with regard to snow cover: how to monitor this variable adequately over time, and how to couple trends and variability in snow cover to atmospheric circulation. Developments in remote-sensing technology have provided a range of satellite-derived data products which complement in situ snow measurement procedures. Variability in data spatial resolution and...