Determination of Snow Cover Thickness using a Ground-penetrating Radar and a Laser Rangefinder

Abstract This article presents the results of processing the experimental data to determine the thickness of the snow cover in an area with a relatively flat terrain using a ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a laser rangefinder. It is shown that the GPR determines the thickness of the snow cover with an accuracy of 10-15 cm even in places under vegetation, however, in areas with sharp drops in the snow level, the error can be about 1 m due to the wide directional pattern of the antenna. The laser rangefinder is not suitable for measuring the thickness of the snow cover under vegetation, however, it detects local maxima and minima well, which can significantly supplement the GPR data in identifying critical zones. For surfaces that have a small area free from snow, it is possible to determine the thickness of the snow cover relative to this area with a laser rangefinder accuracy of ∼ 1 cm, but it is necessary that this surface be free of vegetation. This criterion is met, for example, the roof surfaces of large structures, such as water parks. In the case of using only a GPR, sharp drops in snow level are averaged and inaccuracies in measurements at local sites are possible. When using both instruments, it is possible to determine the snow cover with an accuracy of ∼ 10-15 cm on surfaces with vegetation and ∼ 1 cm without vegetation, which is the basis for the joint use of instruments. This work is a continuation of a series of experiments started last year.