Snow Energy Exchanges
Internal Energy Exchanges and Snowmelt ()Q)
- Includes changes in phase (melting/refreezing) and temperature
- Snowmelt typically occurs at the snow surface during the day when the snow surface temperature reaches 0oC.
If the snow temperature below the surface is less than 0oC, refreezing will occur.
When the snow pack becomes isothermal at 0oC (“ripens”), snowmelt can occur as long as energy is supplied and the snow pack does not cool.
Nightime refreezing of melt water is common due to cooling of the snow pack - results in complex changes to internal energy of snow pack.