Runoff from Snowmelt - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Surveyors and Architects

Runoff from Snowmelt

Course Outline

Precipitation in the form of snow melt is part of the hydrologic cycle. Unlike water it takes longer for the water from melted snow to enter the drainage system or infiltrate into the ground, thus different criteria must be used to estimate peak run-off flowrates.

This course will discuss the runoff from snowmelt and how it affects the watershed. The course materials are based solely on the Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Manual “Runoff From Snowmelt” as found on the website of the Army Corps of Engineers.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:

Causes of inadequate snowmelt;
Causes of excessive snowmelt;
Temperature of “ripe” snowpacks;
How to use the total energy equation;
Size of wavelengths of shortwave radiation;
Sources of energy of snowpacks;
Definition of perfect blackbody;
Shortwave energy emitted by snow;
Specific heat of rainfall;
Movement of snowmelt through the snowpack;
Soil storage capacity range for soils;
How to define snow density;
How LANDSAT is used for snowcover delineation;
Melting level air temperature for snowflakes;
How to determine the amount of snowmelt per day;
How to determine the vapor pressure;
How to classify mean canopy cover;
How to determine Langleys;
How to find degrees Kelvin;
How the humidity affects the dew point temperature;
Lengths of Long-wave radiation waves;
Mean daily albedo for surface snow;
How to determine the Heat flux;
How to determine the net radiation exchange;
How to determine the net radiation loss;
How to determine the range of thermal quality;
How to determine the intensity of incident radiation; and
How to determine convection-condensation.

Intended Audience and Benefit

This course is also perfect for anyone that would like to know more information about runoff from snowmelt including Hydrologist, Environmental Scientist, Flood Study specialists, and many others.

Course Introduction

Course Content

Runoff From Snowmelt

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Course Summary

This course can be used by anyone with an interest in hydrology, drainage design, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, or anyone that would like to know more information regarding runoff from snowmelt. After reading this course the student will know the basic information regarding runoff from snowmelt. As always good engineering judgment is paramount in any situation. Utilizing good judgment and the knowledge gained in this course can provide the learner with valuable information to for determining runoff from snowmelt.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/
http://www.epa.gov

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.