photo of snowstorm
figure 1b from paper
Figure 1b from paper: SNODAS estimates of SWE (cm) over the Sierra Nevada associated with atmospheric rivers (ARs) compared to the total seasonal (November–March) accumulation during WY2004–2010. Also shown is the number of AR events each year (white numerals) and their percentage contribution to the seasonal snow accumulation (red numerals).
February 11, 2011

HMT Publication Notice

A journal article entitled Extreme Snowfall Events Linked to Atmospheric Rivers and Surface Air Temperature via Satellite Measurements, by Bin Guan, Noah P. Molotch, Duane E. Waliser, Eric J. Fetzer, and Paul J. Neiman was recently published in Geophysical Research Letters, 37, L20401.

The hydrological significance of atmospheric rivers (ARs) remains less explored with regard to mountain snowpack. In this work, the contribution of ARs to the Sierra Nevada snowpack is quantified based on assimilated snow data. AR events contributed a large fraction of the seasonal total snowpack. On average 6–7 events per year provided 40% of the total snow water equivalent (SWE) over the 7 years studied (Fig.). A strong connection between AR-related snowpack changes and surface air temperatures is uncovered with in situ and satellite data, which helps better understand AR characteristics and impact mechanisms. By showing the sensitivity of snow-rain partitioning to surface temperatures during AR storms, the study highlights the potential impacts of projected climate change on regional hydrology and water resources. This work has been conducted under partnership with the CalWater experiment. Primary support is provided by ARRA funds, JPL, and NASA applications and terrestrial hydrology programs.

 Read the Abstract

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