SPA-2 Snow Pack Analyzer: Accurate Snow Depth Measurement

SNOW PACK ANALYSER SPA-2

RECORDING ALL IMPORTANT PARAMETERS OF THE SNOWPACK

The SPA-2 system records automatically and continuously all important parameters of the snowpack and allows, for example, predictions about the snow melting progress. The latest product generation, the SPA-2, now offers a completely new and much more user-friendly control interface, connecting analog sensors has become a lot easier and the new standard for data outputs is realized via a RS 485 or SDI-12 interface.

FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES

Recording the snow parameters: snow water equivalent (SWE), snow density, liquid water content, ice content, and snow depth
Energy-saving operation through sleep modus, ideal for solar-powered measuring stations
Individual system configuration: information regarding the complete snow pack or about specific snow profile depths
Recording the progress of snowmelt and the expected quantities of water from the snowpack

Description

FIELDS OF APPLICATION

With the valuable information from the SPA-2 about snow density, liquid water content, and snow water equivalent it is possible to recognize and analyze the snow melting processes at an early stage. That is why the SPA-2 system is considered to be a very helpful measuring instrument for hydrologists, avalanche warning services, or scientists as well as for companies operating hydropower stations, flood protection authorities, businesses in water management, the agricultural sector, or mining companies.

INSTALLATION AND MEASURING PRINCIPLE

The SPA-2 station can be operated autonomously (using solar power), and the mast and the frame are set up in a suitable position on level ground. The weather and UV-resistant sensor band penetrates the snow and measures the volumetric content of ice, water, and air in the snowpack using impedance analysis. The snow depth measurements are taken by our reliable ultrasonic snow depth sensor USH-8. Data storage and remote transmission equipment mounted in a weatherproof control cabinet can be provided additionally upon the customer’s request.

TECHNICAL DETAILS SPA-2

SPA sensor 1 – 4 sensors (straps) mountable (as a standard we provide one horizontal and one diagonal tape)
Weatherproof and UV-resistant flat strap sensor that includes three wide copper wires. 4 cm depth of penetration of the measurement field
Solid aluminum construction for fixation and tensioning of the SPA sensors
Impedance analyzer performing the measurements of the complex impedance along the SPA sensor
Multiplexer controls the switching between multiple sensors and connects the snow depth sensor
The control unit performs the measurements and calculations of the snow parameters
Serial interface RS 485, SDI-12; ASCII format
USH-9 ultrasonic snow depth sensor with integrated temperature compensation
Optional components Integration of up to two sensors for temperature (snow, ground, surface), power supply, data logger, and telemetry
Power supply 9 … 28 VDC, reverse voltage protection, overvoltage protection
Power consumption active 65 mA per SPA sensor, inactive: 1 mA
Operating temperature -35 °C … 60 °C (-31 °F to 140 °F)
Dimensions of frame 6360 mm x 1100 mm x 3700 mm (L x W x H)
Dimensions of control unit 165 mm x 105 mm x 55 mm (L x W x H)