New northern snowpack classification linked to vegetation cover on a latitudinal mega-transect across northeastern Canada

Changes in mass, extent, duration, and physical properties of snow are key elements for studying associated climate change feedbacks northern regions. In this study, we analyzed snowpack along a ‘mega’ transect from 47°N to 83°N (4,000 km) northeastern Canada, which includes marked transitions between ecozones boreal forest subarctic arctic ecosystems. Our unique dataset 391 detailed snowpits acquired over the last 20 years, complemented with data weather stations, shows that such as water equivalent, depth, density, grain size basal depth hoar fraction (DHF) strongly linked vegetation type. Based on these results, propose an updated classification types three classes: (47–58°N), tundra (58–74°N) polar desert (74–83°N), is more appropriate study area than general north hemisphere commonly used. We also show shrub presence contributes significant increase DHF development most thermal insulation snowpack. Overall, our analysis suggests snow–vegetation interactions have positive feedback effect warming at latitudes.