Altai Mountains Snow Study Reveals Impact of Climate on Water Resources
Snow depth, snow water equivalent, and snow density in the Altai Mountains, China were studied from 2015 to 2017. Snow depth and water content were higher in alpine regions compared to lower slopes. Elevation and latitude influenced snow depth and water content, while snow density was affected by longitude. Snow accumulation was higher on leeward slopes and lower in forests due to canopy interception. Snow depth and water content decreased with elevation on lower slopes but increased at higher elevations. This study provides valuable data on snow properties in the Altai Mountains, which can be used in climate and hydrological models.