Snowmelt

Snowmelt is water released as snow warms and changes from solid ice to liquid. Its timing and rate depend on energy input, snow properties, and weather.

Energy balance: The accounting of energy entering and leaving a system, used to explain changes in its thermal state. Snowpack energy balance determines whether incoming energy warms snow or melts it.
Snowmelt runoff: Water flowing from melting snow across or through the ground. It carries released snow water into streams and rivers.
Spring freshet: A seasonal rise in river flow, commonly caused by snowmelt. It is the characteristic increase in discharge as accumulated winter snow melts.
Snowmelt modeling: The mathematical simulation of energy and water exchanges during snowpack melting. Models combine weather and snow properties to estimate melt rates and runoff.
Latent heat of fusion: The energy absorbed or released when a substance changes between solid and liquid without changing temperature. Melting snow requires this energy even after the snow reaches its melting point.
Snowmelt flood: Flooding caused by rapid snowmelt, sometimes intensified by rain or frozen ground. Fast melt can overwhelm channels and drainage systems.
Snow drought: A period when snow accumulation or snow water equivalent is unusually low for a region and season. Reduced snow storage means less meltwater may reach streams later.
Remote sensing of snow: The observation of snow cover and properties using instruments on aircraft or satellites. Satellite measurements track snow extent, but estimating water content and melt can be difficult.
Albedo: The fraction of incoming radiation reflected by a surface. Fresh, bright snow reflects much sunlight, while darker or dirty snow absorbs more energy.
Snow water equivalent: The depth of water that would result if a snowpack melted completely. It estimates the water stored in snow and available for later release.

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