5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
[ACC26-P04] Comparison between observational and theoretical snow height for snow falling-deposition process
Keywords:Falling snow, Snowpack
Since snowpack is formed by the accumulation of falling snow particles, the process from snowfall to snowpack is the basis for snow and ice phenomena derived from snow. Particle-like falling snow accumulates on the snow surface as new snow, and then undergo densification and metamorphism due to snow load to form a snow cover that appears to be a continuum. In order to understand and model the process of snow accumulation, it is essential to observe the new snow itself.
In this study, in order to understand the aforementioned snow accumulation process from snowfall to snow cover, the densification process was observed by examining new snow using multiple snow boards. Snow height and density of new snow on the snow boards were measured every 1 and 4 hours. Then, theoretical calculations on the densification of new snow were performed using the viscous compaction theory proposed in a previous study (Endo, 1993). The snow heights obtained by theoretical calculation and observation showed almost agreements; however, observational snow height became larger than theoretical one at several cases, where the new snow density of 1 hour was small. More detailed results will be presented in the presentation.
Endo, Y., (1993) Forecasting of direct-action ava lanches in terms of snow accumulation rates. Seppyo, J. Jpn. Soc. Snow Ice, 55 (2), 113- 120. [In Japanese.]
In this study, in order to understand the aforementioned snow accumulation process from snowfall to snow cover, the densification process was observed by examining new snow using multiple snow boards. Snow height and density of new snow on the snow boards were measured every 1 and 4 hours. Then, theoretical calculations on the densification of new snow were performed using the viscous compaction theory proposed in a previous study (Endo, 1993). The snow heights obtained by theoretical calculation and observation showed almost agreements; however, observational snow height became larger than theoretical one at several cases, where the new snow density of 1 hour was small. More detailed results will be presented in the presentation.
Endo, Y., (1993) Forecasting of direct-action ava lanches in terms of snow accumulation rates. Seppyo, J. Jpn. Soc. Snow Ice, 55 (2), 113- 120. [In Japanese.]