Analysis of Error in the Determination of Snow Storage for Small High Arctic Basins

Water balance studies in tundra regions require accurate snowfall data but weather station records often underestimate basin snow storage. However, snow storage can be determined by snow surveys conducted prior to the melt period because Arctic snowpacks do not melt during winter. Topography strongly controls snow distribution. A basin can be subdivided into various terrain types and the snow survey then establishes the snow characteristics of …