Abstract
Snow reserves in mountainous regions are a key factor in predicting snowmelt floods, mudflows, and avalanches. Their assessment is particularly important in a changing climate. The aim of this study was to assess snow reserves in the upper reaches of the Sairam River, an area where most of the region's hazardous hydrological phenomena develop. Long-term observation data from the Baldyberek snow measurement route of the Kazhydromet Regional State Enterprise (RSE) for the period 1963–2017 were analyzed. This long series of observations is homogeneous and reliable, making it suitable for climate research. Modern statistical data analysis methods were used to study snow reserves. This is the first detailed assessment of the spatiotemporal distribution of snow cover in the study region. The upper reaches of the Talas Alatau and Ogem Ridge rivers experience short, snowy winters with significant snow reserves compared to the plains. At elevations of 1,600-2,500 m above sea level, snow depth ranges from 39-84 cm, and water content ranges from 114-192 mm. In some years with significant snowfall, snow depth reached 210 cm, and water content reached 698 mm. Statistically insignificant trends in increasing snow depth and water content were observed at all snow measurement stations. The data obtained can be used to assess and forecast hazardous hydrological events.