A model for the snow water equivalent derived from stratigraphy observations in northern Sweden

A new parameterization of snow water equivalent (SWE) based on snow depth (HS)has been developed from observations made in northern Sweden. When applyingprevious SWE parameterization from the Alps on observations from northern Sweden,the SWE values are systematically 20% lower. The new SWE parameterization isderived from a snow layer density regression model using snow layer hardness andsnow particle size. The model was evaluated with a detailed field reference dataset,and then applied to the long term Abisko Scientific Research Station stratigraphicsnowpack dataset. The model enables a regional adjustment of snow layer densityvalues for northern Swedish conditions. The snow layer density model provides anaccurate estimation of snow bulk density used to derive the SWE parameterizationbased solely on HS. Snow depth observations are regularly made on a daily basis; byapplying our new parameterization, daily values of SWE can be obtained for northernScandinavian conditions, which e.g. can be used for hydropower production planningand risk assessments.