Management Implications of Snowpack Sensitivity to Temperature and Atmospheric Moisture Changes in Yosemite National Park, CA

A study on Yosemite National Park reveals that temperature increases of 2°C, 4°C, and 6°C could lead to significant reductions in April 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) by 38%, 73%, and 90% respectively, particularly in dry years. This warming would also cause the seasonal snowline to move upslope by 300 meters per 2°C increment, with a compressed melt zone at higher elevations under extreme warming scenarios. The research applied an energy- and mass-balance snow model across Yosemite's elevation range, using data from recent wet and dry years, to examine the impact of temperature increases and atmospheric moisture conditions on snowpack. Findings indicate that even moderate warming could eliminate snowpack contributions from elevations below 2,000 meters and alter forest water balance, posing challenges for land management in mountainous regions.

Roche, J. W., Bales, R. C., Rice, R., & Marks, D. G. (2018). Management Implications of Snowpack Sensitivity to Temperature and Atmospheric Moisture Changes in Yosemite National Park, CA. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 54(3), 724–741. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.12647