Treesearch
Hydrology of cold-region montane forested watersheds [Chapter 7]
| Authors: | M. Dobre, A. Srivastava, William J. Elliot, Kelly J. Elder, T.E. Link, E.S. Brooks |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Paper |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800625310.0007 |
| Source: | Forest Hydrology |
Download (PDF 2.74 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/81261.pdf
Abstract
This chapter explores the snow and hydrological processes characteristic of steep, cold-region montane forested watersheds, particularly in western North America, which rely heavily on snowmelt as a critical water source for ecosystems and human use. While many hydrological principles discussed in other chapters apply to these high-elevation regions, the unique interactions among surface runoff, shallow lateral flow and baseflow merit special attention, particularly in the context of snow processes and steep terrain. The principles outlined here are broadly relevant to forested ecosystems that transition from chaparral or agricultural landscapes at lower elevations to subalpine forested ecosystems at higher elevations.