Model 54000 SNOdar Snow Depth Sensor
The SNOdar is a highly accurate, reliable snow depth sensor designed to deliver real-time data—even in the middle of a snowstorm! Its mobile app makes setup effortless while providing instant access to live snow depth measurements from anywhere in the world.
The SNOdar is renowned for its accurate and robust monitoring of snow depth and new snowfall, even during winter storm events. It is one of the only snow depth sensors that utilizes LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to provide accurate snow depth measurements. This high-precision method allows the SNOdar to create detailed, real-time snow depth data, ensuring reliable and efficient snow monitoring for a variety of applications. For added convenience, the SNOdar mobile app allows quick configuration, real-time monitoring via Bluetooth, and easy data downloads directly to your device.
The SNOdar transmits data via RS-232 or SDI-12 to a range of commercially available telemetry systems, including Satcom, data loggers, and cell modems. It also features an internal, non-volatile data logger capable of storing an entire season's worth of data, eliminating the need for separate data loggers for each sensor—resulting in significant cost savings during deployment. Its compact, lightweight design is built to withstand temperatures of -40°C and below. It runs on a 12 VDC battery, averaging less than 0.5 W of power, with a small battery and solar panel (e.g., 50Ah + 10W) sufficient for seasonal deployment. Easily configurable as a distance sensor, stormboard snowfall sensor, or seasonal snow depth sensor.
The SNOdar is renowned for its accurate and robust monitoring of snow depth and new snowfall, even during winter storm events. It is one of the only snow depth sensors that utilizes LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to provide accurate snow depth measurements. This high-precision method allows the SNOdar to create detailed, real-time snow depth data, ensuring reliable and efficient snow monitoring for a variety of applications. For added convenience, the SNOdar mobile app allows quick configuration, real-time monitoring via Bluetooth, and easy data downloads directly to your device.
The SNOdar transmits data via RS-232 or SDI-12 to a range of commercially available telemetry systems, including Satcom, data loggers, and cell modems. It also features an internal, non-volatile data logger capable of storing an entire season's worth of data, eliminating the need for separate data loggers for each sensor—resulting in significant cost savings during deployment. Its compact, lightweight design is built to withstand temperatures of -40°C and below. It runs on a 12 VDC battery, averaging less than 0.5 W of power, with a small battery and solar panel (e.g., 50Ah + 10W) sufficient for seasonal deployment. Easily configurable as a distance sensor, stormboard snowfall sensor, or seasonal snow depth sensor.
| Measurement Method | LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) |
|---|---|
| Range | 0.09 to 9 meters (distance from snow target) |
| Accuracy | ±1 cm to ±2 cm (typical deviation from absolute depth) |
| Resolution | 0.3 cm to 1 cm (minimum detectable depth change) |
| Measurement Interval | 1 to 60 minutes (1 minute granularity) |
| Obliqueness | -30° to 30° from vertical (angle slant relative to measuring surface) |
| Outputs | Wired: 1 RS-232 port (common among commercial Satcom / LTE modems), 1 SDI-12 port (common among remote sensors and commercial data loggers) Wireless: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.x, 2 Mbps PHY up to 50 meters line of sight, Long Range 125 Kbps PHY up to 250 meters line of sight |
| Data Logger | Internal, non-volatile, stores an entire season of data |
| Input Voltage | 6 to 24 VDC |
| Current Consumption | 0.035 to 0.045 A at 12 VDC, heater off (idle, active) |
| Power Consumption | 0.42 to 3.2 W (maximum measured with heater on) |
| Average Power | 0.5 W (typical average seasonal power usage) |
| Weight | 265 grams without mounting clamp, 375 grams with mounting clamp |
| Size | 6.3 x 6.3 x 9.5 cm (W x L x H) |
| Cable | 10 meters, supplied with the sensor, straight overmolded IP67 connector, blunt cut for connection flexibility Rated -40°C to 105°C, 300 V, 20 AWG, UV and water resistant outer jacket UL Recognized, CSA Certified and RoHS Compliant |
| Mounting Clamp | Supplied with the sensor, medium duty, aluminum 6061-T6 with 304 stainless steel hardware For 1.5" OD tube (1.49 to 1.58", 38 to 40 mm) Maximum load 100 kg / 220 lbs |
| Applications | SNOTEL Snow Depth Monitoring Stormboard Snowfall Measurement Avalanche Monitoring and Forecasting DOT Road Conditions Monitoring Ski Resort Snow Monitoring Cornice Growth General Snow Management |
