Understory Plant Growth in Relation to Snow Duration in Wyoming Subalpine Forest

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Abstract
An analysis of snow duration gradients in the subalpine forests of southeastern Wyoming [USA] showed that some understory patchiness is due to snow banks that persist until early July. Carex geyeri and Vaccinium scoparium decrease in cover where snow persists beyond June 27 and July 4, respectively, whereas other species either increase with longer snow duration or are able to tolerate late-persisting snow. Phenophase condensation was observed in populations of V. scoparium which were covered by snow until July 6. Evidence suggests that the factor affected most by snow cover duration is growing season length, which affects both productivity and species composition. The potential effect on forest understory vegetation of winter snowpack augmentation by cloud seeding is discussed.

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