Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
PLoS ONE
Volume
9
Issue
9
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Publication Date
2014
First Page
e106984
Abstract
We present a unique water-balance approach for modeling snowpack under historic, current and future climates throughout the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion. Our methodology uses a finer scale (270 m) than previous regional studies and incorporates cold-air pooling, an atmospheric process that sustains cooler temperatures in topographic depressions thereby mitigating snowmelt. Our results are intended to support management and conservation of snow-dependent species, which requires characterization of suitable habitat under current and future climates. We use the wolverine (Gulo gulo) as an example species and investigate potential habitat based on the depth and extent of spring snowpack within four National Park units with proposed wolverine reintroduction programs. Our estimates of change in spring snowpack conditions under current and future climates are consistent with recent studies that generally predict declining snowpack...
Recommended Citation
Young, Julie K., "Incorporating Cold-Air Pooling into Downscaled Climate Models Increases Potential Refugia for Snow-Dependent Species within the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion, CA" (2014). Wildland Resources Faculty Publications. Paper 1623.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wild_facpub/1623
