Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

01 Aug, 05 AM - 31 Jul, 01 AM

Seasonal snow packs are important to agriculture, ecology, hydrology, transportation, the local energy balance, and recreation. Since the density of snow varies both spatially and temporally, a common measure used to quantify the seasonal snowpack is the aggregate snow water equivalent. SWE is typically determined by measuring the density profile of the snow pack at a site and measuring and quantitatively understanding the spatial distribution of SWE on scales larger than a few hundred square meters requires extensive human resources. Furthermore, many locations of interest may be inaccessible (e.g., due to avalanche danger). Prior research has demonstrated that SWE varies due to the interaction between meteorology (wind speed and direction) and both small- (vegetation or rocks) and small- and large-scale topography (hills, valleys, slopes). Consequently, a new low-cost, easily and broadly deployed, robust method of remotely measuring the spatial and temporal evolution of SWE would significantly benefit those impacted by seasonal snow. The proposed work is to develop a prototype distributed network of wireless sensor nodes as a means to meet the spatial and temporal data requirements along with the cost and robustness constraints for this application. Presently at the University of Vermont, we are developing a prototype small-scale system to be deployed in the Green Mountains (VT) in October 2007. The proposed project for 2008-2009 is to deploy a larger network based on improved nodes on the SNARL facilities in order to (1) further validate the sensor technology (in particular snow weight/height methods robust to snow bridging), (2) collect data on network performance (e.g., energy use and communication signal strength) and (3) quantify snow evolution (at hourly intervals) for the season. The sensor and network performance results will be used to improve the design and will be leveraged in future proposals. Measured snow data will be provided to snow scientist collaborators throughout the season for assessment of SWE for the monitored area.

Visit #13166 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 8640 | Research

Distributed sensing of snow water equivalent using wireless sensors 08-09

faculty - University of Vermont

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 3 Other Aug 1, 2008 - Jul 31, 2009 (365 days)
Jeff Frolik Aug 1, 2008 - Jul 31, 2009 (365 days)

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Office 4 Aug 1, 2008 - Jul 31, 2009
Q8 4 Aug 1, 2008 - Jul 31, 2009