Reconnaissance snow survey of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, April-May 1979
Water-Resources Investigations Report
80-49
By: William J. Glude and Charles E. Sloan
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Abstract
Moderately low snowfall and an early and abrupt spring thaw resulted in removal of most of the snow cover from the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) before the snow survey of April 30 through May 2, 1979. Logistical problems and lack of snow permitted sampling at only seven sites. The average snow depth (0.263 meter) was approximately 60% of that measured in the 1977 and 1978 surveys. Snow density in 1979 averaged 337 kilograms per cubic meter and water equivalent averaged 0.088 meter. These two values are about 110% and 70%, respectively, of values for those characteristics in 1977-78. The average temperature of -5.2 Celsius at the base of the snowpack was about 6 Celsius higher than in the previous surveys. Extensive recent slab avalanche activity was noted in the Brooks Range. (USGS)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Reconnaissance snow survey of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, April-May 1979 |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 80-49 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri8049 |
| Year Published | 1980 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Description | iii, 13 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | National Petroleum Reserve |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |