Effects of forest disturbance on snow mass and energy balance in headwater regions

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Forests across western North America are dying as a result of drought, insect infestation, wildfire and disease. The resulting hydrologic impacts are particularly significant in snowmelt dominated headwater basins, where forests mediate snow-atmosphere interactions. Runoff from these watersheds can provide more than 80% of water supply for downstream agricultural, residential and industrial users. Snowmelt is particularly critical in semi-arid regions, such as southwestern Alberta and the southwestern US, where stored spring meltwater augments water supply during the dry summer season. Changing forest structure following disturbance affects snow accumulation and ablation, with cascading effects on downstream hydrology.