Remote sensing of snow accumulation

Abstract

New snow depth provides a valuable tool for forecasting avalanches. We have modified an ultrasonic rangefinder available from Polaroid, and have mounted the unit at the top of a tripod. By taking hourly measurements, the changes in distance between the transducer and the snowpack can be evaluated. Blowing snow during storms shows up as scattered data, and at the end of a storm the readings become stable. The data indicate the length of the storm as well as the new snow increment. © 1985.