K. Elder Jill Baron B. Balk 1998 <p>Knowledge of the spatial distribution of snow water equivalence (SWE) is necessary to adequately forecast the volume and timing of snowmelt runoff. &nbsp;In April 1997, peak accumulation snow depth and density measurements were independently taken in the Loch Vale watershed (6.6 km²), Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. &nbsp;Geostatistics and classical statistics were used to estimate SWE distribution across the watershed. &nbsp;Snow depths were spatially distributed across the watershed through kriging interpolation methods which provide unbiased estimates that have minimum variances. &nbsp;Snow densities were spatially modeled through regression analysis. &nbsp;Combining the modeled depth and density with snow-covered area (SCA produced an estimate of the spatial distribution of SWE. &nbsp;The kriged estimates of snow depth explained 37-68% of the observed variance in the measured depths. &nbsp;Steep slopes, variably strong winds, and complex energy balance in the watershed contribute to a large degree of heterogeneity in snow depth.</p> application/pdf en Western Snow Conference Using geostatistical methods to estimate snow water equivalence distribution in a mountain watershed text