An Inexpensive Remote Snow-Depth Gauge based on Ultrasonic Wave Reflection from the Snow Surface

Abstract

Abstract Total snow depth is determined by measuring the time of flight of an ultrasonic wave packet emitted from a sonic transmitter above the snow surface and reflected from the snow surface back to the receiver/transmitter system. The light-weight system is battery powered (operating time without battery change at least 8 months) and can be fixed to any post above the snow surface. The absolute precision is better than ±0.03 m. Data and commands are transmitted by a single two-wire system up to several kilometres.