MONITORING OF SNOW COVER CONDITIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN AND THEIR CHANGES DURING THE WINTER SEASON 2024-2025

Abstract

The study analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of snow cover across the territory of Kazakhstan during the winter season of 2024...2025, and also evaluates long-term trends in the main snow cover characteristics (number of days with snow cover, maximum snow depth, and snow water equivalent) for the period 1970...2025 based on data from the state observation network of RSE “Kazhydromet”. The results show that during the winter season of 2024...2025, against the background of a decrease in the number of days with snow cover in most regions, increased snow reserves formed in the northern and central regions, whereas a deficit was observed in the southern part of the country. A statistically significant increase in the linear trend of maximum snow depth and snow water equivalent was identified in the northern and eastern parts of the country, as well as in the Irtysh, Ishim, and Tobol–Torgai water management basins, while a decrease in snow reserves was observed in the Aral-Syrdarya basin. No statistically significant decrease in the number of days with snow cover was detected. The obtained results are of practical importance for water resource assessment, forecasting spring floods, and developing adaptation measures to ongoing climate change.