Forest cover, snow conditions, and black-tailed deer sinking depths

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Abstract
Sinking depths of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and associated snow characteristics were recorded in old-growth, second-growth, and recently clearcut forests. Erratic deer movement in a 20-year-old stand prohibited measurements of deer sinking depth there, but a surrogate measure (human sinking depth) and associated snow characteristics were recorded. Both daily weather conditions and forest cover influenced deer sinking depths and associated snow conditions (p < 0.001). The two oldest stands had more shallow snowpacks with denser snow in the upper layers and greater mean hardness values than did the clearcut. As a result, mean deer sinking depths were lower in those stands. For all but 1 day (n = 9), forested habitats showed consistent rankings relative to the potential for deer movement: clearcut (worst) < 20-year-old < old growth and 80-year-old (about equal and best).