Ground Based SnowScale®
for Snowpack SWE Measurements
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Ground-Based SnowScales™ determine the amount of water in the snow pack by weighing the column of snow above the sensor surface. The measurments 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.
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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
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Features
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Layout
Field SetupOne 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! |
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SWE, Temp. and Preciptation Data
Displayed is data gathered during the winter of 2016 and 2017 at the 2KR Systems test site in New Hampshire, USA.
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SnowScale Control Unit (SCU)
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. |
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What's Included:
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Specifications
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 |
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Dimensions
Product Data Sheet
| SnowScale SSC-311 / SSC-611 Product Data Sheet (250241 Rev 03) |
| SnowScale SSC-1222 / SSC-2422 Product Data Sheet (250246 Rev 01) |
