Snow Accumulation in the Icefield Ranges, St. Elias Mountains, Yukon

Snowpack characteristics in the St. Elias Mountains were examined as part of the Icefield Ranges Project for 1961 to 1965, emphasizing particularly the 1964-65 glacier balance year, together with reconstructions for 1953 to 1961. Analysis was carried out along a hydrological traverse on the Kaskawulsh, Hubbard, and Seward-Malaspina glaciers, and at a single location through a period of time. The data obtained are summarized in graphs and tables. The relationships between precipitation, elevation, and topography, and effects of continentality and exposure are considered. In neither case are the relationships clearly defined but it is evident that elevation is a critical factor in the maintenance of continental slope glaciers and spring runoff. Fluctuations in net accumulation are determined and evaluated; a stable period is indicated for the late 1950s, followed by an increase of 200 to 300 mm in the early 1960s and a minimum in 1964-65 and 1965-66 of winter nourishment and mass balance. Climatic implications are drawn from the snow accumulation data.