Grasslands: Treatment and Results

The original treatment plan on the Seven Springs Watersheds was to install rows of large snow fences on one watershed to reduce the movement of snow due to wind and consequent losses of water through sublimation. Estimates based on a model developed by Schmidt (1972) predicted that this treatment could increase water yields by 1.5 to 2 inches if snow could be collected in drifts and protected from sublimation behind the snow fences. However, this plan was eliminated because of high construction expenses and concerns about the visual impact of the fences on recreationists traveling to the popular Big Lake area.

In hind sight, the Arizona Highway Department has installed numerous snow fences along Highway 260 (the main road to Big Lake) to help reduce snow drifting across the highway and subsequent plowing needed to keep the highway open during the winter season.

The alternate plan was to create natural windbreaks by planting trees. Test plantings were conducted and initial results showed satisfactory survival but growth was very slow because of temperature-related bud damage.

Experimental Watersheds

East and West Forks of Seven Springs, were established in the high mountain grasslands located north and east of Mt. Baldy and 11 miles south of Springerville, Arizona. Two 120° V-notch weirs were installed at on the watersheds and hydrologic records were begun in October 1964. A weather station, including a recording precipitation gage and hygrothermograph, was established within each watershed pair. Sediment was measured in stilling basins that were constructed upstream from the weirs.

Grasslands: General Information | Management Implications | Treatment and Results