Altitude dynamics of snow cover in the mountains of the North Caucasus

Introduction. The North Caucasus Mountain region has high prospects in the field of recreational development. This factor was normatively enshrined in RF Government Resolution No. 833 of 14.10.2010, which provides for the formation of special economic zones and a tourist cluster in the North Caucasus Federal District. As part of the implementation of this strategy, key all-season tourist and recreational facilities are currently being developed, including: ATRC “Mamison”. Research methods and materials. From October to May, during the period from 2018 to 2024, snow cover thickness measurements were taken monthly. As part of the research tasks, 10 snow measuring rods were installed on the territory of the Elbrus ATRC, as well as one rod in the area of the MSU base. The height of the snow measuring rods varied from 2300 to 3840.6 m, which is an elevation difference of 1540.6 m. Results of the research. The analysis revealed that the best fit to the studied dependence is provided by the exponential function. The seasonal dynamics of the average snow depth in different periods of the year are presented, this is clearly demonstrated by the graphs displaying the seasonal dynamics of the average maximum snow depth in different periods. Discussion of the research results. Studies have shown certain patterns in the process of snow accumulation in the territory of the All-Russian tourist complex “Elbrus”. This region has a pronounced altitudinal zonality, which affects the change in the thickness of the snow cover. At the Elbrus ski resort, the distribution of snow is highly dependent on the wind. The formation of snow cover in the territory of the All-Russian tourist region “Elbrus” occurs with varying intensity depending on the altitude. In the period from October 1 to March 31, 2019, the intensity of snow accumulation demonstrated variability depending on the altitude. Snow melts much faster at lower altitudes. Conclusion. The study yielded mathematical expressions that allow estimating the depth of snow cover at a height H above sea level. The approximate dates of the beginning and end of the period of stable snow cover in various altitudinal zones of the southern macroslope of Elbrus were determined. Analysis of monitoring data conducted on the territory of the Elbrus ATRC showed that the seasonal dynamics of snow cover depth is determined by a complex of factors, including: absolute altitude of the terrain, distance from watershed lines and their orientation relative to the prevailing winter winds, characteristics of the micro- and mesorelief of the mountain slope, as well as the exposure and angle of the surface, the intensity of direct and total solar radiation, snow that has lain over the summer. Resume. The monitoring carried out on the territory of the Elbrus All-Russian Thermal and Recreation Complex shows that the amount and seasonal distribution of solid precipitation is of particular importance for the formation of the height of snow cover on the territory of the Elbrus All-Russian Thermal and Recreation Complex. The results obtained are of practical importance in the development of mountainous areas.