Estimation of the snow water equivalent using muon scattering radiography

Abstract

Despite the important hydrological and ecological implications of the snowpack, its real time monitoring remains challenging. This is particularly relevant in relation to the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), as the available technologies which measure it, exhibit a number of limitations that hinder their operational implementation. In this work, we explore the potential of a new technology, Muon Scattering Radiography, to infer the SWE. We coupled snowpack simulations generated by the SNOWPACK model, with a muon scattering simulation program based on GEANT4. The SWE is modeled as a function of the muon scattering distributions. Predictions of the SWE along the year are provided showing a root-mean-square error of 12 mm for 5 hr continuous measurements. We also performed laboratory measurements using ice samples, confirming the SWE estimation capabilities and the potential of the technique to operate as a SWE monitoring tool.