4.1.1 Introduction
This section uses a scenario to explore snowpack evolution in flat terrain. The scenario begins on November 15 in a region of flat, open terrain with some areas of vegetation. The area sits at an elevation of 2.5 km (8,202 ft) and latitude of 45°N. (You could find this kind of place in Wyoming.) The area was free of snow when it experienced a significant snowstorm last night.
It's now sunrise, which we'll say is 6:00 am local time. The snow has stopped, skies are clear, and there are 40 cm (15.7 in) of fresh snow on the ground. The temperature at the top of the snowpack is -3°C (27°), and the ground temperature is 0°C (32°F). The water content of the snowpack (its SWE) is 2.9 cm (1.1 in).
Given the relatively dry snow, what crystal habits and sizes would likely comprise most of the snowpack? Select the correct answer, then click Done.
The correct answer is a.
The snow-to-liquid ratio is approximately 14:1 (40 divided by 2.9), which is generally considered an average to slightly-below-average SLR for this elevation. Due to the low density, we can infer that the majority of the snowfall consists of dendrites and aggregated dendrites. Small and rimed crystals have a lower SLR and result in denser snow.