In the North Cascades, Khan said, algae contribute to “ albedo change,” in the snow, meaning the snow can’t reflect away light, heat or radiation as well as clean snow. The faster the snow melts, the less water there is available for the region during the particularly hot and dry summer months. The timing and magnitude of snowmelt in the region can have drastic complications, especially for downstream ecosystems and salmon habitat along the Nooksack River. In Whatcom County, runoff from snow melt contributes to the Nooksack River and all the surrounding bodies of water, providing much-needed water for farming, irrigation, salmon habitat and daily consumption. Understanding snowmelt in the North Cascades is vital for environmental planning and environmental health, as snowpack in the region plays a key role in the seasonal water cycle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “Here we’re showing, for the first time, that snow algae do play a role in snowmelt.” “We’re interested in understanding how these new algaes are impacting the seasonal snowmelt, and what that means for downstream water resources,” Khan said during a May 5 phone call. Over the last few years, Alia Khan, an assistant professor at Western, has made the trek to the nearby volcano with students to map algae and its impact on the region. The algae, once recorded by famed evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin, are everywhere, including in the mountains of the North Cascades and along the hills of Mount Baker. Boil, filter, or chemically treat all ice and water from streams.A new report from a professor at Western Washington University has identified a way to map snow algae, and how that algae is speeding up snowmelt in the North Cascades. Beware of camping on avalanche slopes (areas likely to avalanche) and avalanche tracks (areas through which avalanches run). Do not cut or damage plants or trees while digging a snow shelter. Look for deep snow drifts along sloping terrain this will help prevent damage to plants or trees buried in the snow pack. Camping On SnowĪlways camp on snow more than two feet deep. Afternoon temperatures create "post-holing" conditions and higher avalanche danger to hikers. Snow travel in spring and early summer is best done before noon. Whiteouts can occur, and cold wet snow is typical. Clothing and equipment should be investigated and tested before the trip. Some high country trails may be covered by 10 to 30 feet of snow. Trails can be hidden by snow into summer, so map-and-compass navigation skills, general route finding, and common sense are essential. Snow prevails in the high country much of the year, making avalanche hazard a concern. Ability to assess mountain weather and avalanche hazards.
#North cascadea snowpack how to
Include warm layers of clothing, extra food and water, and a sleeping bag or warm blankets.Ĭarry the Winter 10 Essentials and know how to use them:
Remember, permits are required year round for all overnight stays in the backcountry.īe extra prepared - anyone traveling in the park complex during winter should pack extra survival gear in case of a road blockage or other winter travel hazard. Always check the latest forecasts before heading out, and make sure to continually assess weather conditions during your trip. You may encounter heavy rains, snow, high winds, mud, swollen creeks and rivers as well as deep puddles. For visits during the fall, winter or spring, be prepared for inclement weather.
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