Item: Verification of Snow-Cover Modeling on Slopes
-
-
Title: Verification of Snow-Cover Modeling on Slopes
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2004 International Snow Science Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Authors:
- Charles Fierz [ WSL Swiss Federal Institute forSnow and Avalanche Research SLF, Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Michael Lehning [ Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
Date: 2004
Abstract: A correct representation of snow-cover evolution on slopes is crucial to enable the use of snow-cover models as a valuable tool for avalanche forecasting. Though important verification work has been done to assess the models’ ability on flat terrain, less is known on their reliability on slopes as this implies to compare model output to field measurements in steep alpine terrain. This contribution presents simulations obtained by running SNOWPACK, the Swiss snow-cover model, with forcing data measured either in situ on slopes or at a nearby flat-field automatic weather station and projecting the shortwave radiation onto slopes of given exposition and inclination but neglecting any effects by the surroundings. The newly established, objective profile comparison method is used to evaluate the quality of simulations as compared with pit profiles observed either in situ on adjacent northerly and southerly slopes or on the flat field. In general, flat field simulations show most weak layers of interest. However, simulations on slopes are necessary to get a better representation of the actual situation on different aspects. Finally, case studies of stability evaluation show promising results.
Object ID: issw-2004-094-098.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: snow-cover modeling, snow stratigraphy, snow stability
Page Number(s): 94-98
Subjects: snow stability snow cover stratigraphy snow model
-