Using the Scope Probe to measure snowpack changes over time

One defining feature of the Scope is its objectivity and repeatability. Using the Scope instead of manual hand hardness profiles allows profiles taken at different times to be directly compared without worrying about differences in who collected the profile or how “calibrated” their definition of 4 finger hardness was that day.

These two profiles, were taken in the same location on Teton Pass, WY over a month apart. Over that time, the total snow depth (HS) increased from 100 to 165 cm, and the snowpack developed new layers and metamorphosed.

The two prominent suncrust layers shown in the first profile from Dec 27 are clearly shown in the later profile as indicated by the arrows. In addition, the soft new snow on the surface of the first profile has become harder and compressed over time, changing from generally F hard to ~4f+ hard - which would be expected as the snow settles and is buried.

This is just an example of how the Scope could be used to document temporal changes in the snowpack, and there are many more potential applications for comparing the Scope’s objective snow profiles to each other.