Articles | Volume 9, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-1523-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-1523-2015
Research article
 | 
07 Aug 2015
Research article |  | 07 Aug 2015

Meteorological, elevation, and slope effects on surface hoar formation

S. Horton, M. Schirmer, and B. Jamieson

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Cited articles

Bellaire, S. and Jamieson, B.: Forecasting the formation of critical snow layers using a coupled snow cover and weather model, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 94, 37–44, 2013.
Bellaire, S. and Schweizer, J.: Measuring spatial variations of weak layer and slab properties with regard to snow slope stability, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 65, 234–241, 2011.
Bellaire, S., Jamieson, J. B., and Fierz, C.: Forcing the snow-cover model SNOWPACK with forecasted weather data, The Cryosphere, 5, 1115–1125, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-5-1115-2011, 2011.
Bellaire, S., Jamieson, J. B., and Fierz, C.: Corrigendum to "Forcing the snow-cover model SNOWPACK with forecasted weather data" published in The Cryosphere, 5, 1115–1125, 2011, The Cryosphere, 7, 511–513, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-511-2013, 2013.
Birkeland, K.: Terminology and predominant processes associated with the formation of weak layers of near-surface faceted crystals in the mountain snowpack, Arct. Alp. Res., 30, 1–12, 1998.
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Short summary
We investigate how various meteorological and terrain factors affect surface hoar formation in complex terrain. We modelled the distribution of three surface hoar layers with a coupled NWP - snow cover model, and verified the model with field studies. The layers developed in regions and elevation bands with warm moist air, light winds, and cold snow surfaces. Possible avalanche forecasting applications are discussed.