SNOW REPORT: We’ve been discussing the good things about winter
but this is a biggie: snow.

The winter snowpack recharges the ground water aquifers and,
thus, provides a much-needed source of moisture to bring our
natural environment back to life in the spring. And that’s just the
start …

Bryan Swistock of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources tells us snow typically makes up 10 to 25
percent of the annual precipitation in Pennsylvania.

“Although snow is less important than rainfall, the presence of
a snow pack in spring can be a very important source of water in
the forest. Melting snow forms temporary vernal ponds that serve as
a critical habitat for many forest amphibians.”

The snow pack that accumulates during an average winter also
insulates the soil underneath it, keeping the soil largely unfrozen
and able to absorb water from melting snow.

Since trees and other plants are dormant during early spring,
most of the snowmelt water entering the soil infiltrates deep below
the surface where it recharges ground water aquifers.

When snow cover is lacking, not only is less water available,
but the soil may also freeze deeper, preventing snowmelt or rain
from recharging ground water until later in the spring.

“Ground water aquifers that are recharged in the spring by
melting snow provide water supply wells and streams with a steady
source of cool ground water during the long, hot summer,” he
said.

“Fish and other stream life have adapted to the increased stream
flows in spring and the relatively cool ground water that is
supplied to the stream throughout the summer.

“Without this spring recharge, stream levels may drop and stream
temperatures may increase to dangerous levels during the
summer.

“The effects of a lack of snow on water resources can be offset
by frequent rainfall during the spring. However, once the growing
season begins, the window of opportunity to recharge ground water
is lost until the next dormant season.”

Our current winter has been anything but typical with a mild
spell lasting into mid-January. Since then, of course, we’ve been
pummeled not just by cold temperatures but bountiful snowfall.

“The next time you are celebrating the warm, snow-free winter
weather or cursing old man winter as you shovel snow, consider the
important role that snow plays in ensuring water supplies and
stream ecosystems throughout the state,” Bryan concludes.