The Summer Climate in the Accumulation Area of the Salmon Glacier

Abstract

AbstractDuring the summer of 1957 a party visited the Salmon Glacier in British Columbia. A meteorological station was established in the accumulation area at an altitude of 1700 m. From 12 June to 16 August pressure, temperature and humidity were recorded continuously and the daily totals of precipitation, ablation and percolation were obtained. Periodic measurements of snow density were made; on the first occasion to a depth of 4.7 m. and later near the surface only. Occasional observations of snow temperatures to a depth of 12 m. were also made. Towards the end of the season the heat balance of the snow surface was examined in detail. The various contributions to the melting are evaluated for several short periods and their relative magnitudes compared.