Item: Characterizing Snow Stratigraphy: a Comparison of SP2, Snowmicropen, Ramsonde and Hand Hardness Profiles
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Title: Characterizing Snow Stratigraphy: a Comparison of SP2, Snowmicropen, Ramsonde and Hand Hardness Profiles
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Christine Pielmeier [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Alec van Herwijnen [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Information on the structure of the snow cover is of great importance for operational avalanche forecasting. Manually observed snow profiles including snow hardness are therefore widely used to characterize snow stratigraphy. However, such measurements are subjective and observer dependent. While the ramsonde resistance profile provides a more objective alternative, it lacks the vertical resolution to identify thin layers which are often responsible for avalanche release. To overcome these limitations digital cone penetrometers were developed to provide accurate and objective snow cover stratigraphy data. Two well-known examples are the SnowMicroPen (SMP) and the recently developed SP2. In this study, we therefore investigate the accuracy and repeatability of various measurement methods to quantify snow stratigraphy by performing side-by-side SMP, SP2 and ramsonde measurements as well as profiles of hand hardness index and density on a level study site. Results show that the SMP provides the most repeatable and detailed measurements, while hand hardness profiles were generally very coarse but included relevant thin weak layers and crusts. SP2 profiles showed stratigraphic features similar to the SMP. However, SP2 measurements were less repeatable, resolution was coarser and shifts in the vertical resolution were observed. The strengths and limitations of the different methods are compared in view of future developments for operational avalanche forecasting.
Object ID: ISSW16_P1.16.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: snow cover, stratigraphy, snow penetrometer, SnowMicroPen, SP2, ramsonde, hand hardness index, snow density
Page Number(s): 578-584
Subjects: SnowMicroPen penetrometer snow cover stratigraph
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