GlobSnow v3.0 Northern Hemisphere snow water equivalent dataset

We describe the Northern Hemisphere terrestrial snow water equivalent (SWE) time series covering 1979-2018, containing daily, monthly and monthly bias-corrected SWE estimates. The GlobSnow v3.0 SWE dataset combines satellite-based passive microwave radiometer data (Nimbus-7 SMMR, DMSP SSM/I and DMSP SSMIS) with ground based synoptic snow depth observations using bayesian data assimilation, incorporating the HUT Snow Emission model. The original GlobSnow SWE retrieval methodology has been further developed and is presented in its current form in this publication. The described GlobSnow v3.0 monthly bias-corrected dataset was applied to provide continental scale estimates on the annual maximum snow mass and its trend during the period 1980 to 2018.

Automated summary

This study describes the Northern Hemisphere terrestrial snow water equivalent (SWE) time series from 1979 to 2018, with daily, monthly, and bias-corrected estimates. The GlobSnow v3.0 dataset combines satellite-based passive microwave data with ground observations using bayesian data assimilation. The monthly bias-corrected dataset was used to estimate the annual maximum snow mass and its trend from 1980 to 2018 at a continental scale.