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<br /> <br />Snow Climatology of the Southern Canadian Rockies <br /> <br />by <br /> <br />F.D. Barlow, F.E. Robitaille, J.W. Mason, C.M. Sackiw <br /> <br />Atmospheric Sciences Department <br />Alberta Research Council <br />Edmonton, Alberta <br /> <br />ABSTRACT <br /> <br />A preliminary analysis of the snow climatology of the Rockies south of Banff, Alberta is presented. <br />this background study is part of a planned research effort to determine the modification potential <br />of orographic cloud systems during the snow season. Its purpose is to assess the current snowfall <br />climate data to determine the general character of snowfall within the possible study area. <br /> <br />Precipitation data from a variety of sources were analysed including A.E.S. climate <br />stations and snow courses from Alberta, British Columbia and Montana. The temporal, altitudinal <br />and spatial characteristics of snow are examined. A peak in snowfall amounts and frequency is <br />found in January for the mountain A.E.S. stations. Snowpack water equivalent reaches an average. <br />maximum value in late spring. A strong correlation of snowfall with elevation is indicated by linear <br />regression models. The spatial variability is quite complex with maximum annual snowfall amounts <br />occurring along the Alberta-B.C. border regions. Recommendations for future research approaches <br />are given. <br /> <br />2 <br />