Krkonoše: Mapa republiky a proměny sněhu – monitoring a výška vrstvy

A unique snowfield in the Krkonoše mountains of the Czech Republic, nicknamed “The Map of the Republic,” is closely monitored by scientists for its impact on the local microclimate and vegetation.

The snowfield, located on a south-facing slope of Studniční hora (Studniční Mountain) at an elevation of 1,433 meters (4,701 feet), retains snow longer than other areas in the range due to unique terrain and wind patterns. This phenomenon has drawn scientific interest for years.

Researchers have been tracking the snowfield using GPS technology and, more recently, drones to precisely measure the terrain both with and without snow cover. This allows them to gather the most accurate data possible on snow depth and distribution over time.

The unusual shape of the snowfield, which resembles the former Czechoslovakia, is what earned it the nickname “Mapa republiky” (Map of the Republic). As the snow melts, the shape gradually changes, first resembling the country’s former boundaries including Podkarpatská Rus, then Slovakia, and finally settling into the shape of central Bohemia.

“We have been monitoring the Map of the Republic for a long time and using available modern technologies to do so. In recent years, we have been surveying it with the help of drones,” explained botanist Josef Harčarik. “The goal of the monitoring is to understand how the snow cover affects the microclimate and vegetation in the lee slope of Studniční hora and whether and how the height and distribution of snow change over time.”

The deepest recorded snow layer, measuring 15.7 meters (51.5 feet), was observed during the 1999/2000 season, lasting until early August. The lowest recorded snow depth was just 5.4 meters (17.7 feet) during the 2013/2014 season, melting by June 10th.