Item: Snowcover density and Snow Water Equivalent in the Italian Alps
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Title: Snowcover density and Snow Water Equivalent in the Italian Alps
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Mauro Valt [ AINEVA, Trento Italy ] [ ARPAV -Avalanche Centre Arabba, Italy ]
- Emanuele Romano [ National Research Council, Water Research Institute, Brugherio (IRSA -CNR), Italy ]
- Nicolas Guyennon [ National Research Council, Water Research Institute, Brugherio (IRSA -CNR), Italy ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: This article considers snowcover height and density based on 6,100 measurements carried out in 7 winter seasons (2010-2016) by Italian avalanche. The 2010-2016 period was characterised by very snowy winters (2014), normal winters and winters with snow scarcity (2016), therefore representative of a large inter-annual variability. Data was collected by expert people on the field. Measurements were carried out through horizontal sampling for single snow layers, with statistical integration of missing layers, using the Yeti software by AINEVA. Based on measurements, the Snow Water Equivalent value of each relief was calculated. Figures gather measurements from November to May, in the altitude range between 640 m and 3,300 m, with snow thickness values ranging from 10 to 350 cm, aggregated according to the SOIUSA code. The first data processed show an average density of 308 kg m-3 and a major difference between the areas near to the sea, i.e. the Maritime Alps, Venetian Prealps and Julian Alps, with an average density of more than 335 kg m-3, and continental areas like Cotian Alps and Graian Alps, with average values of less than 291 kg m-3. For the Italian Alps too, a variation of the average density based on season, altitude and snowcover thickness is confirmed, as shown in the northern side of the Alps and in North America.
Object ID: ISSW2018_P05.7.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: snowpack bulk density, Snow cover, Snow Water Equivalent, SWE
Page Number(s): 452-456
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