Measurements on evaporation and the melting of snow cover are presented, followed by an explanation of how the measured values depend on meteorological factors and the structure of the snow. The observations were made during the period 1968–1973 on an experimental field situated in southern Finland. The regression analysis of the evaporation gave no motive for the use of a non-linear wind function. A theoretical model based on the energy balance has been sought with the aim of explaining snowmelt. However, a simple model containing certain basic parameters gave better results.