Improved Snow Water Equivalency Sensor

Campbell Scientific (USA) annouces the new GMON3 Snow Water Equivalency (SWE) sensor, produced by

Campbell Scientific Canada and developed in collaboration with Hydro Québec. The innovative design of the

GMON3 makes it an excellent sensor for non-contact SWE measurement applications.

The GMON3 obtains a measurement by monitoring gamma rays that are naturally emitted from the ground. As

snow accumulates on top of the ground, the GMON3 measures an attenuation of the normal background

radiation levels. The higher the water content, the higher the attenuation of the gamma radiation.

The new sensor measures with an accuracy of ±15 mm from 0-300 mm and ±15% from 300-600 mm, operating

within temperatures from -40°C to +40°C. The GMON3 can output an RS-232 (1200 to 115200 BAUD) signal

interface to Campbell Scientific dataloggers or other recording devices. It is effective with any type of snow or

ice. Data can be transmitted in near real-time with the addition of a wireless communication option.