Snow depth estimation using InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic-Aperture Radar) Technique

Project ID: 21108
Principal Investigator: Jong Kang
Research Topic: Water Supply Forecasting
Funded Fiscal Years: 2021
Keywords: None

Research Question

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using the InSAR technique as a tool for measuring seasonal snow depth and inform snow-melt water resources for the Reclamation water information system. Snow depth estimation is a critical component for quantifying seasonal Reclamation water resources at reservoir areas, expanding the use of the hydrologic database across Reclamation regions, assisting other water facility operational decisions for hydrological applications with real-time data, and informing recreational reservoir water users of reservoir water conditions.

Need and Benefit

This research is aimed at evaluating the feasibility and value of using the InSAR technique to increase the detection accuracy of snow depth and density, quantify seasonal snow-melt water resources, and improve accuracy into river and reservoir operations models to better inform water allotments and planning efforts. The proposed research could provide an alternative snow depth estimation approach to the Reclamation water resources area offices and other agencies. Since InSAR data and the time-series analysis results will be periodically collected, this information could provide valuable information to Reclamation in snowmelt water resources evaluation in the future.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Snow Depth Estimation Using Interferometric Synthetic-Aperture Radar (InSAR) Technique (final, PDF, 1.8MB)
By Jong Beom Kang
Report completed on September 30, 2021

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20