An Electronic Remote Snow-Drift Gauge

Abstract

AbstractSnow transportation by wind in potential avalanche fracture zones is a very important parameter for avalanche forecasts. A special battery-powered photoelectric sensor has been developed by the Eidg. Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung, Weissfluhjoch/Davos. The output pulse rate is proportional to the mass flux (units of kg m–2s–1). Drift particles larger than 50 μm in diameter are classified according to their volumes in five classes. The accuracy of the flux measurement is ±50% and is limited by physical factors and not by the apparatus.