Predicting snow density using meteorological data

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents a simple method for predicting snow density by use of weather data. Six hundred and eight snow density (bulk weight density) measurements from the period 1967–1986 are used in a multiple regression analysis. The measurements are performed at 105 sites in the Ås area situated in Akershus County in southeast Norway. The area has a relatively stable winter climate. Weather data from an observing station with three registrations a day are used in the analyses. The distance between the measurement sites and the meteorological station varied between 0.6 and 14 km. A clear correlation is found between the observed climate and the measured snow density. A multiple regression equation is developed with a coefficient of determination equal to 70% and a standard deviation equal to 24 kgm−3. Snow density values suggested in the Norwegian code NS 3491‐3 is in most cases overestimated. Expressions given in an annex to the international regulations for snow loading on roofs (ISO 4355) are less applicable to prescribing snow density for climate studied in this investigation. Still, they can be used as simple and rough estimates. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society