Theory 31/Snowpack/Rate lens
Melt Follows Energy, Not Air
The claim
Snowmelt rate is set by the rate of net energy input rather than by air temperature, so a windy warm night can melt more than a still sunny day.
01Mechanism
Melt requires latent heat; radiation, sensible heat and rain all contribute, and their sum at the surface governs the rate.
02Prediction
Melt should track energy flux better than temperature.
03Refutation
Melt tracking temperature would remove the energy balance.