Snow Water Equivalent Estimation – a new operational Tool for water resources decision-making in the Coquimbo Region

Hydrological Processes
Written By Waterways

ANID – Chilean Science Agency
2022-2024

Team

Dr Shelley MacDonell, Dr Álvaro Ayala (CEAZA, Chile), Dr Simone Schauwecker (CEAZA, Chile), Dr Gonzalo Cortés (CEAZA, Chile), Dr Nicole Schaffer (CEAZA, Chile), Dr Katerina Goubanova (CEAZA, Chile), Eduardo Yáñez (CEAZA, Chile). 

The Problem 

Due to the critical role of snow in Central Chile, precisely quantifying the snowpack is essential for water resource management and allocation decisions. A more efficient and precise water allocation would be made possible by accurately quantifying the spatial distribution of water stored in the seasonal snow, how it changes throughout the winter months, and whether the total water stored is above or below a “normal” year to better prepare for dry summers. While it is relatively simple to estimate the snow-covered area using satellite imagery (e.g. MODIS), this information delivers no information about the actual snow depth and density and has therefore only limited value as a first-order indicator of available water at high elevations. 

Research Goals 

The main objective is to generate near real-time, high-resolution and open access estimates of the snow water equivalent (SWE) for the Andes Cordillera of the Coquimbo region, using a data assimilation framework, to improve the decision making in regional water management.

Project Partners:

  • Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Chile

  • JV del Río Elqui y sus Afluentes, Elqui Province, Chile

  • JV del Río Hurtado y sus Afluentes, Limarí Province, Chile

  • JV del Río Grande y Limarí y sus Afluentes, Limarí Province, Chile

  • JV del Río Illapel y su Afluentes, Choapa Province, Chile

  • Dirección General de Aguas (DGA), Chile

  • Centro del Agua para Zonas Áridas y Semiáridas de América Latina y el Caribe (CAZALAC), Chile

  • University of La Serena, Chile

Outputs

  • Schauwecker, S. et al. (2022). Near real-time snow water equivalent estimations over the dry subtropical Chilean Andes using a data assimilation framework.  International Mountain Conference, Innsbruck, Sept 2022.

  • Schauwecker, S. et al. (2022). ¿Cuánta nieve hay? A data assimilation framework for near real-time snow water equivalent estimations over the dry subtropical Chilean Andes. IGS Symposium, Davos, Sept. 2022

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