The importance of quantifying the water resource stored in the snowpack is strategic for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. Finapp assesses the available water resource through the precise determination of the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), enabling smarter decisions for reservoir management and hydropower generation.
Home » Applications »
Strategic snowpack monitoring for hydropower and utilities
Unlike standard monitoring, Finapp provides an integrated sensor for measuring ambient neutrons generated by cosmic rays. This allows for the estimation of the total water content in the snowpack, offering data vital for runoff forecasting and catchment hydrology.
The dual-node configuration for the maximum precision
For critical water resource management, Finapp offers a specialized configuration using a pair of probes to achieve unparalleled accuracy:
- Air probe: placed above the snowpack to measure incoming neutrons from space before they interact with the snow.
- Ground probe: Slightly buried at ground level. As snow covers it, it counts neutrons that have interacted with the snowpack.
The difference in counts between the two probes provides a large scale, high saturation limit measure of SWE, validated by extensive Scientific Research.
Why choose Finapp for water resource management?
Our solution provides representative SWE values expressed in mm of water equivalent, solving the limitations of point-measurements.
Download Data Sheet SWE- Deep Saturation Limit: the standard setup measures up to 2,000 mm of water equivalent.
- Muon Backup (Unique Feature): thanks to a patented innovation, the probe also measures muons (sub-atomic particles). This allows a backup SWE measurement with a saturation limit > 10,000 mm, ensuring data continuity even in extreme snowfall years.
- Large Radius: covers a radius of more than 20 meters, providing a statistically significant average. An experimental, spatially representative SWE measurement over a radius of 200m or more is also available.
- Year-Round ROI: when the snow melts, the probe automatically transitions to measuring Soil Moisture. This makes it a multifunctional instrument: managing snow in winter and supporting agriculture or drought monitoring in summer.
Download Data Sheet SWE+SM
FAQ – common questions
Is the sensor able to measure snow height?
No. We focus on the parameter that actually matters for water resource management: the SWE (Snow Water Equivalent). Knowing the height of the snow is less useful if you don’t know its density (how much water it contains). Finapp gives you the direct water volume.
Is the sensor affected by wind?
No, the probe measures the water content present within its range. However, wind transport can physically move snow, meaning a windy ridge may naturally hold less snow than a sheltered hollow. The probe will accurately read whatever amount of snow is actually present in its area.
Does it work in summer?
Yes. In the absence of snow, the probe measures Soil Moisture. This versatility is crucial for tracking the hydrological cycle year-round, aiding in environmental monitoring for flood or drought prediction.
Can the sensor measure Soil Moisture in the summertime?
Yes, the Finapp probe always measures “hydrogen” (water content), regardless of whether it is in the form of snow or soil moisture.
Do canals and rivers influence the measurement?
Yes, every water source influences the measurement. Small streams usually do not make a significant contribution, but large bodies of water must be accounted for. Assessments are made on a case-by-case basis during the site survey.
Can the sensor be installed within a forested area?
The water present in biomass (trees) does not prevent the measurement of SWE. However, extremely dense vegetation (thick canopy) can physically block snow accumulation on the ground, potentially preventing a representative measurement of the catchment area.
Expert support: tailored solutions for water management
At Finapp, we are committed to meeting the instrumentation needs of customers who manage our planet’s most precious resource: water. We support those who advance technology for the benefit of humanity.
Planning a new monitoring network? Do not hesitate to get in touch. We can arrange a consultation to suggest the most innovative water resource solutions for your specific catchment area.
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
Meeting customers’ need
At Finapp we are committed to meeting the scientific measurement instrumentation needs of our customers, we enthusiastically help all those who work sustainably and fairly, we support those who advance science and technology for the benefit of humanity. Finapp believes in innovation as well as service.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us for an appointment, visit, consultation, we will try to answer all your questions trying to suggest some possible innovative solutions.
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
Filter
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
scroll down to explore
Business Cases, Poster, Abstract, Literature
Here is how professionals and scholars use Finapp probes.
A good example of how to get the maximum benefit from our innovation.
