An inexpensive remote snow-depth gauge: an assessment

In Canada the need exists for a reliable, low cost automatic snow depth sensor. Ultrasonic wave reflection was examined as one potential method for measuring snow depth. A prototype snow-depth gauge based on a commercially available Polaroid Ultrasonic Ranging unit which provided an economical means of accurately measuring target distance in terms of time to target was constructed. Comparisons of manual ruler measurements and sensor measurements were made. The snow-depth gauge consistenly undermeasured the actual snow depth. Incorporation of a microprocessor along with further refinement of the sensor should provide a viable method of automatically measuring snow depth at a remote station.