We recently finished our final project documentation which you can access
from the links below.
The initial project idea came from Dr. Rand Decker. The goal of the project was
to limit sublimation losses of snow so that more snow would be retained on the
ground, and higher volumes of snowmelt would go into surface waters and water
storage facilities. Sublimation and snow were the focus of this project because
arid climates, including Arizona, are the most dependent on snowpack. Up to
70-80% of water in the western United States originates as snowpack. In Arizona,
roughly half of the water comes from snowpack; additionally sublimation rates
can account for over 50% of snow loss in the state. Based on this information,
if sublimation losses could be limited, substantial gains in water may be made
for the state, where water is an over-allocated resource.
Our client wanted some unique treatment ideas to be tested for the first time.
In addition, he wanted the treatments to be tested in several different
landscapes that would be typical of the areas this treatment would most likely
be applied. Any of the treatments had to be applicable on a landscape scale as
well as cost effective. Finally, the client wanted to know the relationship
between snowpack and forest health, as well as the importance of snowpack in the
western United States and specifically, Arizona.
Project Schedule and Milestones
Final Document
Appendices
Appendix A:
Project proposal
Appendix B: Original data sheets (not included in online version)
Appendix C: Data calculation outputs from Excel
Appendix D: Project Gantt chart
Appendix E: Project budget
Appendix F: Client meeting minutes
Appendix G: Roof 1 study plot photos
Appendix H: Roof 2 study plot photos
Appendix I: Open Meadow study plot photos
Appendix J: Canopy study plot photos
Appendix K: Additional photos of interest