Exploring Snowfall Variability through the High-Latitude Measurement of Snowfall (HiLaMS) Field Campaign

Abstract The High-Latitude Measurement of Snowfall (HiLaMS) campaign explored variability in snowfall properties and processes at meteorologically distinct field sites located Haukeliseter, Norway, Kiruna, Sweden, during the winters 2016/17 2017/18, respectively. Campaign activities were founded upon sensitivities a low-cost, core instrumentation suite consisting Micro Rain Radar, Precipitation Imaging Package, Multi-Angle Snow Camera. These instruments are highly portable to remote and, considered together, provide unique complementary set observations including snowflake habit, particle size distributions, fall speeds, surface accumulations, vertical profiles radar moments snow water content. snow-specific parameters, used combination with existing from such as gauge accumulations ambient weather conditions, allow for advanced studies processes. HiLaMS 1) successfully develop combined situ microphysical property retrieval scheme estimate both accumulation profile content, 2) identify predominant regimes Haukeliseter Kiruna characterize associated macrophysical properties, production, meteorological 3) biases HARMONIE-AROME numerical prediction model forecasts content observed mountainous site. results suggest value deployment this enhanced observing new diverse high-latitude locations that may be underrepresented climate process studies.