SnowScale

A solar-powered weather station on a grassy field with a digital monitor on a pole, surrounded by orange stakes for measurement.

Ground-Based SnowScales™ determine the amount of water in the snow pack by weighing the column of snow above the sensor surface. The measurements are reported as Snow Water Equivalents or "SWE" which is the equivalent depth of water if the snow melted. The SnowScale™ is used for assessing flood risk, determining water supply recharge rates, climate studies, hydropower resource predictions and winter recreation planning.

Three snow-covered scientific instruments or measurement devices set up in an open field with a snowy landscape, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Like the original SnowScale our second generation models are precision Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) measurement instruments designed for quick assembly and implementation in the field.  They offer larger active weighing surfaces and can measure up to 2400mm (95") of SWE! The SSC311, SSC611, SSC1222 and SSC2422 utilize temperature compensated force sensors to accurately measure up to 300mm, 600mm, 1200mm and 2400mm SWE.  Since no liquid anti-freeze is used there is no chance of leaks.  Passive perimeter panels minimize the effects of ice bridging commonly experienced mid to late in the measurement season. The use of lightweight aluminum materials minimize thermal resistance improving heat flow throughout the device for better emulation of natural conditions.   The System comes with everything needed to connect to your datalogger via the SDI-12 serial port or analog input. 

Applications

  • Flood Risk Assessment

  • Water Resource Management

  • Hydropower Predictions

  • Climate Studies

  • Precipitation Monitoring

Flooded forest with water covering trees and ground

Features

  • Fast setup. On a smooth grade 1 person assembles the array in less than 20 minutes using a screwdriver.

  • Larger Sensor Area. 1.5m2  (16ft2) weighing plate is over 3X larger than previous SnowScales for higher accuracy.

  • Match Capacity to Your Conditions. Measure up to 300mm (12in) or 600mm (24in) SWE with IP68 sealed precision force sensors.

  • SnowScale Control Unit (SCU). The SCU outputs SDI-12 serial data (SWE, load, raw sensor values and settings) and a single 12bit analog channel.

  • Expandable Sensor Panels. Additional active weighing panels can be added for improved accuracy & redundancy (e.g. 1x2, 2x2, 3x3 etc.)

Large white snow scale with a coiled cable on the right side, labeled SnowScale SSC611, and a single small screw in the center.

Layout

Diagram of solar panels showing features such as large weighing surface, drainage slots, passive perimeter panels, powder-coated aluminum, lay panels on smooth grade, aluminum construction, and interconnection method for installation.

Field Setup

Person assembling a solar panel outdoors with a drill, on a patch of dry grass.

One or more people can rapidly setup the SnowScale and SnowScale Controller (SCU). Here are the general steps:

  1.  Prep the site—smooth the grade.

  2. Secure the passive panels to central sensor panel using the connection plates. 

  3. Mount the SCU on a post and connect two cables.

  4. Upload code to the data logger and begin collecting data!

SWE, Temp. and Precipitation Data

Displayed is data gathered during the winter of 2016 and 2017 at the 2KR Systems test site in New Hampshire, USA.

Line graph showing weather data from December 29, 2016, to January 4, 2017, including SSR-311, snow core, hourly precipitation, and air temperature.

SnowScale Control Unit (SCU)

A white snow scale control unit with a digital data display, UI control buttons, and two M12 cables, one connected to a data logger and the other to a snow scale. The unit has labels indicating its functions and measurements.

The SnowScale Control Unit (SCU) is a key part of the SnowScale System and is the most efficient way to get infomration flowing quickly from the SnowScale to your data logger.  The SCU interrogates the SnowScale, calculates SWE and total load in Kg & lbs then passes the data to the data logger using the popular SDI-12 interface.  Tare and sensitivity values are stored in non-volatile memory.  The SCU goes to sleep after a sample is taken and can be completely shut off by the data logger between samples.  C.S. CR-1000 code is included.  
​The SCU-11 is for single active panel SnowScales such as the SSC-311 and SSC-611 and SCU-22 is for SnowScales configured with up to 4 active panels such as the SSC-1222 and SSC-2422.

What’s Included

  • SnowScale Active Sensor Panels (1 to 4)

  • SnowScale Control Unit (SCU-11 or SCU-22)

  • (8 to 12)  Passive Ground Panels

  • (16 to 25) Connection Plates & Fasteners

  • 10 Meter Data Logger Cable

  • 5ft Fence Post for SCU

  • SCU Pole Mount Kit

  • Fiberglass Marker Poles

  • Installation and Operation Manual

Unboxed SnowScale SSC210 snow and ice measurement device with wired sensor in protective packaging.

Specifications

Snow-covered field with a clear blue sky, bright sun, and a small forested area in the distance.

Capacity SWE, # Active Panels
    SSC-311 (P/N 110593):             300mm (12 in),  1x1 Active Panel  
    SSC-611 (P/N 110594):            600mm (24 in),  1x1  Active Panel 
    SSC-1222 (P/N 110599):         1200mm (48 in),  2x2 Active Panels
    SSC-2422 (P/N 110600):        2400mm (96 in),  2x2 Active Panels
Sensor Accuracy:                      +/- 1% FS BSLF (Standardized Weights)
Thermal Error:                           +/- 1%
Operating Temperature:         -40C to 60C
Power Requirements:              8-30 VDC, 40mA at 12VDC typical.  Can be shut off between samples. 
Controller Serial Output:         SDI-12 (standard) & MODBUS (option)
Data String Out:                        SWE, Load, Force Sensor Voltages, Calibration Values, System ID and Status
Controller Analog Output:      0.5 to 4.5 VDC, 12bit (0 to Capacity SWE) (option)
Max Grade:                                 10°
Ingress Protection:                   IP68
Shipping Dimension:               134cm (53”) L x134cm (53”) W x 30cm (11”) H for SSC311C and SSC611C
Shipping Weight:                      84Kg (185 lbs) nominal for SSC311C and SSC611C

Dimensions

Technical drawing of solar panel specifications, including dimensions, panel thickness, active surface area, total area, and mounting details.
An engineering diagram of a solar panel array with measurements in millimeters and inches. It includes a top-down view, side view, details of panel thickness (41mm or 1.6 inches), and a mounting post with dimensions.

Product Data Sheets

Silhouette of a person practicing yoga on a mat outdoors at sunset.

Download File

Silhouette of a person standing on a hilltop at sunset

SnowScale SSC-1222 / SSC-2422 Product Data Sheet (250246 Rev 01)

Download File