Estimating Snowpack Density from Albedo Measurement

摘要

Snow is a major source of water in the Western United States. Many snow covered sites are located in relatively inaccessible areas and in Federal wilderness areas. Access is limited to foot travel and remotely operated telemetered snow sensors are not permitted. In such areas it is impossible with the use of conventional methodology to obtain the data necessary for accurately predicting the quantity of available water. A non-contact remote sensing technique is needed to assess snow-water content in such inaccessible areas. Snow depth can be estimated from aerial snow markers. But measurements of snow density are needed as well for estimating water content of a snowpack.