Drifting and blowing snow measurements: comparison between Snow Particle counter and a simple photoelectronic fork sensor (Wenglor)

• Main Authors: Bellot, H., Naaim Bouvet, F., Piard, L., Palerme, C., Genthon, C.
• Other Authors: IRSTEA GRENOBLE UR ETGR FRA, UNIVERSITE DE GRENOBLE I UMR 5183 LGGE FRA, METEO FRANCE CNRM GAME UMR 3589 GRENOBLE FRA, SIERRA NEIGE THONES FRA
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Irstea, ANENA, Meteo France 2013
• Subjects: TRANSPORT DE NEIGE PAR LE VENT; GRAIN DE NEIGE; CAPTEUR OPTIQUE; SPC; WENGLOR; BLOWING SNOW MEASUREMENT; SENSOR; DRIFTING SNOW; Lac Blanc; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://irsteadoc.irstea.fr/cemoa/PUB00040270

Heterogeneity of snow cover in high mountain area may increase avalanche hazard. In Antarctica, drifting snow plays an important role in the surface mass balance and therefore on the sea level rise. It is therefore necessary to evaluate blowing snow in the field in terms of snow fluxes and occurrence, and, if possible, using to automatic measurements. We present here two sensors based on the same measurements techniques, using the optical beam obstruction method: the Snow Particle Counter (SPC) and the Wenglor YH08PCT8 sensor. The SPC has been widely tested and used in the past and is considered the reference in the present study. The Wenglor YH08PCT8 sensor is a relatively simple, inexpensive commercial counter used in industry which recognizes extremely small parts, holes, slots and notches. It has been tested for 4-5 years as a sensor for a eolian sand and snow transport. The present study focused on the performance of the Wenglor sensor in the context of blowing snow measurement. During two consecutive winters from 2011 to 2013, we set up Wenglor sensors and SPCs at Lac Blanc Pass (French Alps 2800 m) and tested Wenglor sensors in cold room. The results presented here will focus on Wenglor sensor's performance and limitations for uses in high mountain area and cold regions.