Studying snowdrifting problems with small-scale models outdoors

Drifts formed by snow fences are geometrically scaled in proportion to fence height. This observation led us to try using small scale models outdoors (on lake ice) to study snow deposition and erosion, thereby circumventing many of the well-known problems associated with simulating blowing snow in wind tunnels and water flumes. This paper briefly summarizes the theory of natural scaling and presents examples of successful outdoor modeling of snowdrifts formed by topographic features, guard rails, buildings, surface roughness, and snow fences on modeled terrain. Practical aspects of outdoor modeling are discussed, including advantages and disadvantages, site selection and preparation, selection of model scale, methods of model construction, weather requirements, and measuring techniques.