Degree day snowmelt is a method of predicting the rate at which snow will melt based on temperature. It is often used by utilities, highway departments, and other organizations to predict the amount of snowmelt runoff that will occur during the spring thaw.
To use degree day snowmelt, you need to know the average daily temperature and the base temperature for snowmelt. The base temperature is the temperature at which snowmelt begins to occur. It is typically between 32 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of snow and the location.To calculate the degree days for snowmelt, you will need to subtract the base temperature from the average daily temperature for each day. For example, if the base temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the average daily temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the degree days for snowmelt would be 8 (40 - 32 = 8).
Once you have calculated the degree days for each day, you can use a degree day snowmelt model to predict the rate at which the snow will melt. Several different models are available, each with its own set of equations and input parameters. Some models may also require additional data, such as the depth of the snowpack or the type of soil beneath the snow.
It's important to note that degree-day snowmelt models are based on statistical averages and are intended to provide a general estimate of snowmelt runoff. Actual snowmelt rates may vary due to factors such as the type of snow, the amount of sunshine, and other weather phenomena such as rain or wind.
