A Snow Water Equivalence Estimation Prediction (SWEEP) System to Improve Hydrologic Forecasts in British Columbia

The mountains of British Columbia store vast, but varying, amounts of water in winter snowpacks. Accurate estimates of snow water equivalent (SWE) in these mountains are critical for hydroelectric power generation and flood forecasting, but the current observation network is often insufficient. Working with both industry and academic partners, Mitacs interns will use airborne laser measurements of snow depth, satellite-based observations of snow cover, and ground-based snowpack measurements to reduce errors in river forecasting. Knowledge and methods generated by this work will aid reservoir operation across British Columbia.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Menounos;Joseph Shea

Student:

Partner:

BC Hydro (Burnaby, BC)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Utilities

University:

University of Northern British Columbia

Program: