Products & Services

What We Build

This snow water equivalent (SWE) pressure sensor was designed for use in research and water resources. The sensor has a loadcell transducer and uses no fluid. The transducer can run on low power (2.5V excitation) and integration to SDI-12 converters, weather stations, data logging and telemetry systems is easy and simple. The main frame’s small footprint, of a little over a square meter, allows for versatility in installation and site selection. The smaller size can also lend itself to having multiple sensors at a given study site to capture snowpack variability. The sturdy aluminum frame is attached using airplane grade rivets and the weigh plate is designed for easy removal to perform service.

Why We Build It

We found the need for a smaller footprint SWE sensor that was cost effective.
On a large scale, as remote sensing and data grow there is a need for more ground surface measurements for calibration of large scale models. The SNOTEL network and other regional networks offer SWE measurement for streamflow forecasting but were not intended for large scale modeling of SWE--they have been used because "that is what we have".
On a small scale, there is no SWE sensor at a price-point that can be integrated with a weather station or installed on smaller projects, such as a small watershed water balance. Also, there is no small footprint sensor that can be used in places where a larger snow pillow in non-applicable.