Item: Estimation of New Snow Density Using 42 Years of Meteorological Data from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
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Title: Estimation of New Snow Density Using 42 Years of Meteorological Data from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Patrick J. Wright [ Inversion Labs, Wilson, WY, USA ]
- Bob Comey [ Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center, Teton Village, WY, USA ]
- Chris McCollister [ Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center, Teton Village, WY, USA ]
- Mike Rheam [ Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, WY, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: New snow density is a key parameter for daily forecasting of avalanche hazard. However, there is currently not a reliable automated measurement of new snow density to provide data for the daily avalanche bulletin issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center. Although precipitation gauges at automated weather stations provide water content data, the measurements can be inaccurate in certain conditions. In this study we use 42 seasons of manual daily snow density measurements along with air temperature and wind speed data to derive equations to estimate new snow density. We use linear least squares regression techniques to find best-fit second-order polynomial solutions for three on-mountain stations, and provide analysis of the statistical significance of solutions. This work has resulted in a new snow density calculator that allows avalanche forecasters to quickly estimate the water equivalent of new snow (SWE) for various locations by entering 24-hr mean air temperature and 24-hr total wind kilometers. This tool is specific to data collected at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort but may be useful to other avalanche forecasting operations.
Object ID: ISSW16_P4.05.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: snow density, snow water equivalent, avalanche forecasting
Page Number(s): 1180-1185
Subjects: avalanche forecasting snow density snow water equivalent
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