The guidelines are designed to help organize observations and calculations of water balance components of the mountain-glacial basins in the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. The reasons for monitoring observations over water balance components of such basins are explained in introductory part. 

Water balance equations of the upper catchments and glacier are given. Using experimental observations during the International Hydrological Decade in the upper Multa basin (Altai, Western Katun glaciation center) as an example, practices of observation and calculation of water and ice balance components in the mountain-glacial basin are demonstrated.  

The guidelines can be used by those who work in conservation areas.