The effect of winter drought on evaporation from a high-elevation wetland

The surface energy balance of a high-elevation groundwater-fed wetland (High Creek Fen) in central Colorado was measured from 9 June 2000 through 18 January 2005. In agreement with observations and predictions for decreased winter snow cover in the region, the low snow cover in 2001-2002 allowed for an examination of the impact of winter drought on the wetland. During years with an average snowpack, summer evaporation far exceeded precipitation. Despite near-normal summer precipitation following a winter drought, the summertime surface energy balance was affected with decreased latent heat fluxes and increased sensible heat fluxes. The leaf area index and the fraction of photosynthetic radiation absorbed were reduced following the winter drought. A shift in the primary controls on evaporation occurred as the surface's response to vapor pressure deficits and soil moisture increased following the winter drought. The earlier snowmelt coupled with earlier increase in soil temperature and moisture following winter drought did not increase evaporation, since vegetation was not yet developed, and evaporation from soil water was low during the early spring period.