ZLV Online

Abstract

The article presents a review of ground-based methods and techniques of snow water equivalent measuring. Their advantages and disadvantages are described, experience with their application in the Czech Republic, if any, are presented, and outlined directions of further development. The techniques are divided into sections based on their physical background: manual method, methods based on snow mass, attenuation of radiation, electrical properties of snow and other techniques (combination of electromagnetic sensors, acoustic sounding techniques). Recently, the following techniques seem to be the most perspective for snow water equivalent registration: snow scale systems (provided that snow bridging failures will be technically reduced) and techniques based on measuring of attenuation of radiation by snow layer – especially gamma probes; tests of neutron probes are also promising but still at the beginning. However, the path to the ideal technique fulfilling all demands and expectations is still open.