The new standard in surface water measurements

SOMMER Messtechnik offers a wide range of measurement instruments and systems used in various industries, including hydrology, waterpower, energy, and research. Their product portfolio includes non-contact radar discharge sensors, non-contact radar surface velocity sensors, level sensors, pressure sensors, load cells, and bespoke measurement systems. SOMMER’s leading role in the past 25 years in developing and manufacturing non-contact radars for discharge measurements in rivers has pushed the technology and the instrumentation to become the new standard in surface water measurements.

Snow depth measurement using laser technology is highly important for environmental monitoring, water resource management, and climate studies. Snowpack serves as a natural reservoir, storing water in winter and releasing it during spring and summer. Accurate measurement of snow depth helps predict river discharge, manage hydropower production, and prepare for potential flooding. It also supports agriculture by forecasting water availability and informs policymakers in regions where snowmelt is a critical water source. In climate science, snow depth data contributes to understanding long-term trends in snowfall, glacier retreat, and the effects of global warming on cryospheric systems.

Laser-based methods offer significant advantages over traditional manual or ultrasonic techniques. They provide high-resolution, precise, and rapid measurements across large and inaccessible areas, including mountainous terrain. Unlike manual probing, laser sensors can operate remotely and continuously, reducing labor and safety risks. They capture detailed spatial variability of snowpack, which is crucial for accurate hydrological and avalanche modeling. Overall, laser-based snow depth measurements improve accuracy, efficiency, and coverage, making them an invaluable tool for water management, hazard prediction, and climate research.