Validation of spatial variability of snowpack thickness and density obtained with GPR and TDR methods

We evaluate the reliability of the joint use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to map dry snow depth, layering, and density where the snowpack thickness is highly irregular and the use of classical survey methods (i.e., hand probes and snow sampling) is unsustainable. We choose a test site characterised by irregular ground morphology, slope, and intense wind action (about 3000 m a.s.l., Western Alps, northern Italy) in dry snow conditions and with a snow-depth ranging from 0.3 m to 3 m over a few tens of metres over the course of a season. The combined use of TDR and high-frequency GPR (at a nominal frequency of 900 MHz) allows for rapid high-resolution imaging of the snowpack. While the GPR data show the interface between the snowpack and the ground, the snow layering, and the presence of snow crusts, the TDR survey allows the local calibration of wave speed based on GPR measurements and the estimation of layer densities. From January to April, there was a slight increase in the average wave speed from 0.22 to 0.24 m/ns from the accumulation zone to the eroded zone. The values are consistent with density values in the range of 350–450 kg/m 3, with peaks of 600 kg/m 3, as gravimetrically measured from samples from snow pits at different times. The conversion of the electromagnetic wave speed into density agrees with the core samples, with an estimated uncertainty of about 10%. ► We use GPR and TDR to map snow depth and spatial variability. ► Tests were performed at high elevation with irregular snow deposition. ► We map the snow layering and observe seasonal variability of snow density. ► Results point out the presence of soft and dense snow in the range between 200 to 600 kg/m 3. ► We demonstrate the suitability of the methods with respect to hand probe survey.