Item: Online Tool for Visualizing Surface Hoar Layers
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Title: Online Tool for Visualizing Surface Hoar Layers
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Simon Horton [ Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada ]
- Michael Schirmer [ Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada ]
- Bruce Jamieson [ Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada ]
- Erik Kulyk [ Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: A key step in preparing an avalanche forecast is estimating the location and sensitivity of critical snowpack layers. Traditionally this is based on manual field observations. We have developed a tool that models the formation and burial of surface hoar layers across western Canada. The tool uses output from the Canadian high resolution weather model on a 2.5 km grid. These outputs include precipitation, temperature, humidity, and longwave radiation. They are used to model surface hoar layers on virtual slopes with north and south aspects at three elevation bands. Google Earth map layers are created to display the size of surface hoar crystals on each slope and the accumulated load on buried layers. The maps are designed to display critical information with simple graphics. The maps are updated daily and can be viewed by avalanche forecasters on the Canadian Avalanche Association's Information Exchange (InfoEx). A case study from the 2013-2014 winter is presented.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P1.37.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: surface hoar, avalanche forecasting, numerical weather prediction
Page Number(s): 590-592
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