Integrating alpine meteorological data to run physically based computer model SNOWPACK

Abstract

The goal of my research is to develop a framework for monitoring snowpack stability around Juneau in real-time. To do this, I will integrate and correlate three sources of data. The physically based open source model developed through the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF SNOWPACK will be used for the purpose of tracking weak layer development in the snowpack around Juneau. The model will run using high alpine meteorological data (real-time) from stations that I have installed. The data from the SNOWPACK model will be correlated with both manual snowpack observations and a data set from the newly developed automated pressure-sensing electronic probe (AVATECH snow pen), for evaluating how well the model is predicting the development of weak layers in the snowpack.