International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: TOWARDS IMPROVED SNOWFALL ESTIMATIONS IN THE CANADIAN MOUNTAINS IN SUPPORT OF AVALANCHE HAZARD ASSESSMENT

• • Title: TOWARDS IMPROVED SNOWFALL ESTIMATIONS IN THE CANADIAN MOUNTAINS IN SUPPORT OF AVALANCHE HAZARD ASSESSMENT

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon

    Authors:

    • Jean-Benoit Madore  [ Groupe de Recherhce Interdicsiplinaire sur les Milieux Polaires, GRIMP, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada ]  [ Centre d'Étude Nordique, CEN, Québec, Qc, Canada ]
    • Vincent Vionnet  [ Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Meteorological Research Division, Dorval, Qc, Canada ]
    • Dikraa Khedhaouiria  [ Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Meteorological Research Division, Dorval, Qc, Canada ]
    • Nicolas Wagneur  [ Groupe de Recherhce Interdicsiplinaire sur les Milieux Polaires, GRIMP, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada ]
    • William Durand  [ Groupe de Recherhce Interdicsiplinaire sur les Milieux Polaires, GRIMP, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada ]  [ Centre d'Étude Nordique, CEN, Québec, Qc, Canada ]
    • Vincent Fortin  [ Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Meteorological Research Division, Dorval, Qc, Canada ]
    • Alexandre Langlois  [ Groupe de Recherhce Interdicsiplinaire sur les Milieux Polaires, GRIMP, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada ]  [ Centre d'Étude Nordique, CEN, Québec, Qc, Canada ]

    Date: 2023-10-08

    Abstract: Snowfall significantly influences avalanche hazards in mountainous regions, and accurately estimating snow properties in Canada's vast mountains remains challenging due to limited observations. Snow simulation with numerical weather prediction (NWP) models often addresses this challenge. To improve the precipitation of the High Resolution Deterministic Prediction System (HRDPS), the Canadian Precipitation Analysis (CaPA) is an interesting avenue. Nevertheless, the current version of CaPA underestimates winter precipitation in mountainous regions due to a limited number of stations within those areas and algorithmic limitations. To improve the quality of CaPA's solid precipitation product in mountainous areas, an experimental version at 2.5 km grid spacing covering western Canada and the northwestern part of the United States (US) was implemented. New wind quality control parameters were tested to increase the number of assimilated stations in winter. Then, new precipitation observations from additional networks in mountainous areas were assimilated. The results from those experiments were evaluated at both local and regional scales. At a local level, the variability of solid precipitation between experiments was examined within Glacier National Park (GNP) (Canada) using manual snow boards and an automated rain gauge network. At a regional level, the Crocus detailed snowpack model, driven by the 2.5km CaPA experiment precipitation combined with atmospheric forecasts from HRDPS, was used to assess snow distribution over the experimental area. Preliminary results showed good improvement by the CaPA experiments over the HRDPS at GNP. The simulation with new assimilated networks performed best in the park. The snow simulation at the regional scale showed promising results when compared with multiple field observations and automated stations.

    Object ID: ISSW2023_P3.24.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Jean-Benoit Madore

    Keywords: solid precipitation estimation, snowpack modeling, mountains

    Page Number(s): 1382 - 1389

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