Global SnowPack: a new set of snow cover parameters for studying status and dynamics of the planetary snow cover extent

Abstract

With the Global SnowPack, we present a set of global snow cover parameters – for the first time in medium resolution for the full globe and without the compromising effects of cloud coverage or polar darkness. Over 1.2 million single data sets were processed to prepare the Global SnowPack between September 2000 and 2015 – with around 246 more being added every day. Snow cover duration (SCD), early and late season SCD, and statistical products are the main components of the Global SnowPack which can be used to analyse shifts and trends of global snow cover characteristics as well as extreme events. The 500 m resolution allows for applications on a subcatchment scale. One example for a possible application is included, focusing on a detailed view of the California and Volga Basin snow cover characteristics. The Global SnowPack reveals areas with extremely low SCD in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 which is one reason for the severe droughts in California.