Title of Submission
In Situ Snowpack Temperature Monitoring
Degree Program
Hydrologic Sciences, MS
Major Advisor Name
Hans-Peter Marshall
Type of Submission
Scholarly Poster
Abstract
Predicting metamorphism within seasonal snowpacks is a valuable tool for avalanche forecasters and water supply specialists. Snowpack temperature gradients play a key role in snow metamorphism. Measuring snow temperature gradients within the snowpack is currently a non-automated process that requires disturbance of the snow profile. This study presents one method that can be used to automate in situ snowpack temperature measurements without causing any disturbance. We installed a thermocouple array at the Banner Creek Summit SNOTEL site in Central Idaho. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to remotely measure snowpack temperature with a thermocouple array. We anticipate this dataset to inform snowpack energy balance models and aid in the prediction of avalanche danger.
Funding Information
Idaho Department of Transportation