2.2.5 Variations in snow accumulation

The table describes snowpack accumulation in various settings, with the difference in amounts due largely to wind.

Table of relative accumulation amounts of snow on various types of landscapes

Assume that a 10-cm (4-in) snowfall with significant wind occurs over level plains that are fallow; that is, they haven't been planted, plowed, or harvested in a long time.

A tree cluster would slow down the wind, with snow accumulations as much as 2.4 times higher than in open areas (up to 24 cm or approximately 10 in).

Grazed plains, however, would probably get just over half as much accumulation as the fallow plains.

Around twice as much snow would accumulate in ditches and drainages.

In contrast, windswept ridges and hilltops would have much lower snowpacks.

Wind speeds typically diminish on steep hillsides, with accumulation totals ranging from 28.5 to 42 cm (~11 to 16.5 in).