Infiltration, overland flow, and soil movement on frozen and snow‐covered plots

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Abstract
This small plot study shows how ground cover, furrowing, and the presence of frost in soils of the Sierra Nevada affect infiltration from prolonged simulated winter rains. A rapidly melting snowpack over soil containing dense frost may accelerate on‐site runoff. The presence of stalactite soil frost promotes rapid absorption of snowmelt and reduces overland flow. Conversely, porous concrete frost usually reduces infiltration capacity and increases overland flow on burned or sparsely vegetated sites but does not impair infiltration where plant and litter cover are appreciable. Snow cover, by cooling rain water, tends to preserve soil frost and keep it visibly intact. Snow absorbs raindrop energy much as dense vegetation does. Soil losses from snow‐covered plots, regardless of vegetative cover, are practically nil. Generally, plants, litter, and snow cover dissipate raindrop energy and increase infiltration, but exposed rock usually accelerates overland flow and erosion. Shallow contour furrowing seemed to facilitate infiltration and controlled overland flow adequately.

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