Hydrological processes in an alpine talus-moraine field

In this study, hydrological processes in a talus-moraine field in the Lake O'Hara watershed in Yoho National Park, B.C. were investigated. A conceptual model of the study site was developed using geophysical and hydrogeological methods. Snowmelt from the overlying snowpack recharges the talus-moraine field throughout the summer months. Geophysical surveys suggest the presence of a discontinuous thin saturated layer of sediment at the base of the talus-moraine field. Hydraulic conductivity estimates suggest that this saturated layer is a few centimeters thick and is composed of sand to gravel size sediment. Recession analyses of the discharge hydrograph showed that storage change of water from rain or snowmelt dissipates in less than a few days. Pre-event water remains a significant contributor to stream discharge. The results from this study provide important information for the predictive modeling of alpine watersheds, which may assist in water resource management of areas dependent on mountain runoff.