Environmental Role of Snowmelt in Headwaters Affected by Atmospheric Acid Deposition

Abstract

In headwaters, snowmelt affects the replenishment of water resources as well as the occurrence of natural hazards. The environmental impacts of snowpack were analysed in a small forest catchment (Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic) in the context of forest dynamics, atmospheric deposition, and climate, 1982–2021. Snowmelt dominates in March–May with 41% of the long-term annual water yield; however, there is also seasonal acidification of stream water. Forest clear-cutting together with air pollution control has contributed to a decrease in the acid atmospheric load, but, in the spring, streams’ pH is often below the environmental threshold of 5.3. Snowmelt volumes did not show significant transformation with forest canopy and do not affect summer low flows. Peak flows in the springtime do not exceed summer flash floods (frequencies up to 0.13 against 0.02). Mean annual air temperature is increasing by 0.26 ± 0.08 °C per decade with more intensive warming (0.64 ± 0.1 °C per decade) in the winter season. The seasonal reduction in snowpack duration and maximum snow water equivalent (5.5 ± 1.2 days and 34 ± 8.6 mm per decade) corresponds with the largest drop in snow cover duration reported in zones of seasonal temperatures ranging from −5° to +5 °C.