INTEGRATED MODEL APPROACH TO FORECAST SNOW DRIFTS, SNOW COVER AND SURFACE PROPERTIES IN ALPINE TERRAIN AND ON ROADS

The Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research developed a modelling system that combines wind field simulation with snow drift analysis and distributed snow cover simulation. Some preliminary results of model runs are presented. Further studies are in progress to couple the system with an energy balance model and a meteorological forecast model in order to allow predictions of snow distribution in complex terrain and of the snow cover development. Moreover, adequate visualization tools are being developed. While the primary goal of this work is to improve avalanche warning, the system can also be adapted to forecast snow conditions on roads or pavement temperatures.