Snowcover : accumulation, relocation, and management

© Ministry of Water Supply and Services Canada 1995National Hydrology Research Institute, Canadian Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment, Prince Albert Model Forest Association and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaMuch of Canada's water supply is derived from snow. In most parts of the country, the annual spring freshet plays a key role in sustaining our aquatic ecosystems, while for semi-arid, boreal, alpine and arctic regions, snow is an important source of fresh water. In the context of sustainable development, i.e., the balanced management of natural resources to achieve a long-term, reasonable level of economic well-being while maintaining environmental values, snow plays a vital part. On the Canadian Prairies, for instance, snow management practices now often go hand-in-hand with no-tillage practices in the ongoing effort to sustain agricultural production over the long term. As another example, research conducted under the Canadian Model Forest Programme has highlighted the important role of snow in sustainable forestry management practices. Snow can be considered as a physical resource, a raw material possessing properties that contribute to the production of food, fibre and other beneficial products for human use and enjoyment. As with the sun, the soil, the air and the rain, the natural behaviour of snow can be studied, understood and ultimately managed. In a country such as Canada, a better understanding of snow processes will make a significant contribution to hydrological science. This scientific report on snowcover accumulation, relocation and management is a necessary step on the road to sustainable development. The dedication of the authors in preparing this comprehensive report that will be widely used by engineers, agriculture and forestry practitioners, scientists and university students is gratefully acknowledged