Snow depth layer purpose
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In my area, the Snow depth layer seemed very inaccurate. It's currently reporting over 10 inches while there are only trace amounts in shadowed areas and north-facing slopes.
In viewing the information regarding the layer's source, I was surprised to learn that it reflects forecasted snow over the 'next days' instead of the current depth (my assumption based on the layer's title).
Assuming this is correct, what is the purpose of this layer when we already have access to the New snow layer which shows forecasting?
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@tegwar
New snow is the accumulation of snow falls during the next 12h, 48h, 3days, 5 days, 10 days. It gives an idea of the total amount of snow which is predicted falling during these days.
Does it give the depth of snow on ground?
No, this is given by Snow depth which is the accumulation of old snow + next falls, less natural compaction and melting of the snow cover. For this reason this layer is showing the snow density too. -
@idefix37 , thank you for the quick response. I'd like to ask for some additional clarification.
From the chart in the layer's information, it seems like the time period for the 'old snow + next falls, less natural compaction and melting' is in 12h, 48h, 3 days, 5 days and 10 days increments for premium subscribers and 6 days and beyond for non-subscribers. Is that correct? Can subscribers select a time horizon in the UI, or how does it work?
It seems like the New snow layer provides similar information (12h, 24h, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days) without a premium subscription. Is that an incorrect assumption? If so, I am gathering that the difference is that it only shows new snow without taking into account old snow.
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@tegwar said in Snow depth layer purpose:
From the chart in the layer's information, it seems like the time period for the 'old snow + next falls, less natural compaction and melting' is in 12h, 48h, 3 days, 5 days and 10 days increments for premium subscribers and 6 days and beyond for non-subscribers.
No, the Snow depth layer is available at each step of the time slider (but not in 12h, 48h, 3, 5 and 10 days increments). Premium subscribers get 4 updates of the ECMWF model a day and only 2 updates for non-subscribers. This is the only difference.
@tegwar said in Snow depth layer purpose:
It seems like the New snow layer provides similar information (12h, 24h, 3 days, 5 days, 10 day) without a premium subscription
Yes, the New snow layer provides information for 12h, 24h, 3, 5 and 10 days, for both subscribers and non-subscribers.
