European In-Situ Snow Measurements: Practices and Purposes

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Atmospheric science
• Hydrology

Background:

• In-situ snow measurements are crucial for climate change scenarios, hydrology, and numerical weather prediction.
• A European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action ES1404 initiative harmonized snow monitoring.
• Operational, research, and energy sectors rely on accurate snow data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey current in-situ snow measurement practices across Europe.
• To identify the types of snow parameters measured and the methods used.
• To provide recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and coverage of snow observation networks.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 125 participants from 99 institutions across 38 European countries.
• Respondents represented diverse environments including mountains, plains, forests, tundra, and ice-covered areas.
• Data collected covered snow macrophysical, precipitating, microstructural, electromagnetic, and compositional properties.

Main Results:

• 93% of respondents measure snow macrophysical parameters (snow presence, depth, water equivalent, density), primarily using manual methods.
• 74% measure precipitating and suspended snow characteristics, vital for operational services.
• Snow microstructural (41%), electromagnetic (26%), and compositional (13%) properties are measured mainly for research.

Conclusions:

• There is a need to enhance the efficiency and coverage of in-situ snow observation networks.
• Adoption of automatic and cost-effective measurement methods is recommended.
• Harmonization of observational networks and measurement practices is essential for improved snow monitoring.