Articles | Volume 20, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-4185-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-4185-2026
Research article
 | 
28 Jul 2026
Research article |  | 28 Jul 2026

Comparing high spatial and temporal resolution snow depth measurements and modelling results in an avalanche release area

Pia Ruttner, Nora Helbig, Annelies Voordendag, Andreas Wieser, and Yves Bühler

Data sets

Snow depth mapping by lidar station Braemabuel P. Ruttner et al. https://doi.org/10.16904/envidat.581

Model code and software

Snowfall downscaling Source code to calculate the relative terrain aspect parameter N. Helbig https://doi.org/10.16904/envidat.435

Source code for a preferential snowfall deposition model N. Helbig https://doi.org/10.16904/envidat.725

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Short summary
The spatial variability of snow depth distribution in avalanche release areas is key for avalanche forecasting but is strongly influenced by the interaction of wind with the terrain. We generate maps of high resolution snow depth changes during three snowfall events by using low-cost terrestrial laser scanner measurements and compare them to the results of selected snow depth distribution models. We show that basic terrain derivations have the highest correlations to our measurement results.
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