Observations on water level fluctuations in snow due to rain and snowmelt

Abstract

Meteorological parameters, snowpack conditions and water level fluctuations in snowpack due to rain and snowmelt, have been registered during 5 winters at two slushflow sites in Rana, North Norway. A noticeable rise of water table was registered 25 times. There are seasonal as welf as site specific differences in the lapse of the water fluctuation and timing of peak water. Snowpack properties play an important role. The principal water influx to the drainage channels is surprisingly sharp and critical to slushjlow release. Supervision of water fluctuation by pressure transmitters is a key to slushjlow prediction. Knowledge of snowpack properties, site specijic drainage conditions, weather prognosis and meItvater estimation should supplement the observations.