Mean snowpack ablation data for Green Lakes Valley, 1969 - 2005.

Lowering of the snowpack surface by ablation (melt) was estimated on a biweekly to weekly basis in the Green Lakes Valley during the summer months. Poles were driven into the snowpack to form transects in several snow-accumulation areas (east face of Arikaree Peak, talus on the north side of Kiowa Peak, rock glacier/wetland between Green Lakes 4 and 5, Arikaree Glacier, Green Lakes 4 and 5, and the Martinelli basin). The height difference (cm) between the snow surface and the top of each pole was recorded. On the subsequent visit the new height difference was recorded and the pole was driven into the snow and the reset height was recorded. Poles in a given transect were relocated as necessary during the course of the season.