Alpine regions are those parts of the mountains that lie above the upper limit of continuous forest, or timberline. The exact nature of future climate changes in the mountains is not well known. However, we do expect that a general increase in temperature will bring about a northward movement of the timberline and a decrease in the extent of glaciers, icefields, winter snowpack and permafrost. Hazardous effects, such as glacier outburst floods and debris flows may accompany glacier recession. The reduction in the extent of alpine tundra, together with glacier recession, will bring about considerable modification of alpine scenery, with a possible impact on tourism. Changes in the winter snowpack will affect recreational skiing and the viability of many ski areas.

Map 7 larger image [GIF, 56.9 kb, 715 X 532, notice]

The most far-reaching result of predicted climate change in alpine areas is likely to be the effect of decreased snowpack and glacier ice on the discharge of the rivers that drain from the mountains. In western Canada, seasonal snowmelt and glacier melt are a major source of water for the rivers of the interior plains (shown on Map 7) and the dry southern interior of British Columbia. Decreased river discharge in summer may adversely affect water use for agriculture, hydro-electric generation, industry and domestic purposes.

Contact:

Mike Demuth

June Ryder
J.M. Ryder and Associates Terrain Analysis Inc.
P.O.Box 45005
Dunbar, BC
V6S 2M8
604-736-4211
Email: june_ryder@idmail.com