An algorithm to derive snowfall from snow depth observations

Environment Canada is developing a multi-parameter algorithm to derive snowfall from snow on ground measurements. A field study conducted at Edmonton International Airport over the winter of 2004-05, produced data sets which included hourly/daily human weather observations. Readings from three Campbell Scientific Sonic Ranging Sensors (SR50), and a Geonor Total Precipitation Gauge, were filtered and combined to produce a "snowfall" statistic. An overview of the structure of the algorithm, its verification metrics, and case studies will be presented.