An Electronic Remote Snow-Drift Gauge

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Gubler, H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1981
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000011321; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000011321

Abstract Snow 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 –2 s –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.