Inter-comparison of two snow models with different complexity using data from an alpine site

Abstract

This contribution describes the modelization of the snow cover evolution with the two physically based snow models CROCUS and ESCIMO at the Col de Porte station (1,325 m a.s.l., French Alps) for the three subsequent seasons 1994/95-1996/97. CROCUS is a detailed, multi-layer snow model developed for the operational avalanche forecasting system of METEO France, whereas ESCIMO is a one-layer energy and mass balance snow model for hydrological applications. The snow albedo function parameters for ESCIMO are calibrated in 1994/95. In the first verification season (1995/96), the results of the two models show a good correspondence, whereas in the second (1996/97) they differ significantly. For this season a considerable gain in performance of ESCIMO is achieved by recalibration of the snow albedo function parameters.