Manipulating forest density and structure to maximize snow retention in maritime mountain basins

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

0931780 Lundquist This research will examine the roles of forest structure and climate change on snow accumulation and runoff. The research will combine field measurements with modeling efforts to quantify the relative importance of forest structure and climate change. Three major questions will be addressed: (1) What is the variability of snow interception and melt in different forest structures and classes? (2) Over multiple decades, which forest changes are of comparable magnitude to climate change in their effects on snow water storage? Which forest changes exacerbate earlier runoff, and which retain snow longer on the landscape? (3) How can silvicultural practices be used in watershed management to help offset the effects of projected climate change? The fine-scale spatial analysis of forest-snow interactions proposed for this study are anticipated to lead to improved hydrologic modeling of watersheds that include the intermittent snow zone of maritime mountain basins, among others. The model developed will be used in classroom education and management scenarios. Educational presentations and field trips will involve the local community and students from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Community College.