Toward a more comprehensive picture of snowpack evolution through the integration of time-lapse photography, high-resolution snow modeling, lidar data, and in situ observations

Lidar technology has been a vital component in understanding the spatial nature of snow depth, but unfortunately leaves gaps in the data collection of snowpack properties (even when high-resolution repeat lidar are combined with time-continuous spare point observations). To fill this gap, CIRES/NSIDC research scientist Jeffery Deems and CIRES/NSIDC Visiting Fellow Mark Raleigh propose to conduct a first-of-its-kind integration of snow properties derived from time-lapse photography and a state-of-the-art snowpack model, with airborne lidar and in situ data. This new technique will improve understanding of the space-time evolution of mountain snowpack. The team's proposed effort represents an exciting pathway towards low-cost but high-resolution monitoring and simulation of hydrologic processes in snow-dominated systems. This project is a nexus of emerging technological applications that will evolve into broader collaborations and capacities on campus and with external partners in the western United States and beyond.