New Technique to Measure Snow Density

2nd March 2026

It makes use of infrared mild, with implications for local weather and avalanche analysis.

It would additionally allow extra exact information from distant sensing, even within the case of satellite tv for pc measurements.

Sooner measurement: Snow density may be decided exactly and time-efficiently utilizing near-infrared mild.Big selection of functions: Snow density is a key parameter for avalanche, local weather and flood fashions.Better precision: The SLF idea will enhance distant sensing of snow and ice by satellite tv for pc.

Lars Mewes taking measurements with a prototype of the Snowimager. Picture c/o: Bruno Augsburger.

Researchers on the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Analysis (SLF) have developed the theoretical foundation for a brand new methodology for figuring out snow density.

“This can be a key parameter in fields akin to local weather science and flood and avalanche forecasting,” stated SLF researcher, Lars Mewes.

Till now figuring out the density of the snowpack layer by layer has been a laborious course of.

The brand new method saves time and can also be exact.

Utilizing the SnowImager developed on the SLF, it creates a high-resolution profile of the snowpack density, based mostly on the scattering of near-infrared mild throughout the snowpack.

Mewes envisages different functions for his work past snow analysis: as a result of his idea broadens our understanding of how mild is scattered beneath the floor of objects, others may profit from his strategy, explains the researcher.

“In distant sensing, proper via to satellite tv for pc measurements, it’s vital to understand how mild is scattered beneath surfaces.”

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