| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: Water yields from a permanent icefield were increased by 28 percent through surface dusting with carbon black. On July 4, 1972, approximately 15 acres (60,700 m2) of a permanent icefield were treated with 150 lbs. per acre (16.8 g/m2) of commercial carbon black. The icefield was located on the eastern slope of the Colorado Front Range at an elevation of 11,500 feet (3500 m). The carbon black was applied by helicopter using a dry applicator slung below a helicopter. The treatment effect was evaluated by control plot observations of melt and streamflow comparison before and after treatment. The ablation plot studies and runoff comparison with an adjacent watershed both indicated a 28 percent increase in ablation and meltwater runoff, respectively, for the months of July and August. The study indicates icefields could be used as cold-storage reservoirs for use in periods of critical water shortages. |
