SR-18 : A contribution to Indian National Committee on Hydrology status report on Snow on snow surveys

Abstract

Accumulation and ablation of snow depends upon the climatic conditions and topography of the basin. In general December to March is considered accumulation period while April to June/July is considered ablation period in the Himalayan region. The information on snow water equivalent,snow depth and snow density in a watershed is considered an important tool for snowmelt forecasting. For this purpose snow courses are established in the basin and measurements are taken in different parts which are representative of the basin. This report deals broadly with the selection of snow courses ,instruments used in snow surveys, sampling procedures, documentaion formats and requirements of the field party. The instruments have been discussed in detail. A status of snow surveys in India is

presented in this report. This report has been prepared by Dr Pratap singh, Scientist'B', National Institute of Hydrology, Rcorkee.