Snow in the forest

Figure 12. Snow may remain in the forest interior long after it has melted on nearby balds. (Photograph by Dirk Frankenberg. More about the photograph)

Figure 12 shows another view of the interior of a spruce-fir forest. This photograph was taken on November 5, 1999, and shows remnants of the first snow of the year. Many of the photographs of the grassy balds in this fieldtrip were taken on the same day and at the same elevation. None showed any sign of snow. This shows how much the climate at ground level differs between forest and grassland. The forest canopy keeps the ground cold and shady, whereas on the grassy balds, the sun penetrates to the surface without much interference. Note again the open canopy and different aged trees that characterize the red spruce-Fraser fir community.

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