Authors: Ethan Ritchie – Colorado School of Mines
Title: Development of a CIROH testbed for benchmarking snow water equivalent models and products
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: This project details the development of the CIROH testbed protocol for benchmarking various Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) estimation products. Utilizing ASO (Airborne Snow Observatory) data as reference observations, this presentation aims to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of SWE estimation methods including but not limited to, SNODAS, SWANN, and NWM. Given the lack of research on SWE product and model intercomparison, the testbed aims to fill a need for streamlined comparisons between existing products. The testbed promotes a benchmark-oriented paradigm through the processing of SWE products into uniform resolutions (1-km grid and NextGen HydroFabric) that allow for standardized evaluation. ASO data will allow for spatially variable metrics to be evaluated while SNOTEL will provide point-based evaluation. This benchmark-oriented paradigm is essential for producing consistent and useful intercomparisons within the snow research community and allow for the evaluation of new SWE forecasting products. The CIROH testbed will serve as a resource for streamlining and improving SWE estimation methods, which are critical to hydrologic forecasting capabilities. This presentation will focus on the first testbed protocol, using the NextGen Hydrofabric as a standard resolution. However, as the Testbed grows, it will allow for tracking the performance and advancement of SWE estimation products enabling evidence-based adoption of new estimation elements into operational practices.