Estimation of snow cover extent in Carpathian Mountains using integrated GIS and remote sensing information

The alpine snow cover in the mid-latitudes is important in risk management, climatic and hydrologic context. An accurate mapping of snow cover and estimation of snow characteristics requires snow to be distinguished from other surface cover and from clouds. In order to become useful, this information about snow extent, have to be provided on regular bases for various types of users. This study was carried out on a test area located in the central part of Romania - the upper part of Arges basin and Vidraru reservoir. The available information (Landsat ETM+ derived land cover and a 15m digital elevation model) were integrated with the MODIS MYD10A1 daily snow cover products (snow extent & albedo) using a 10m cell grid. Snow was classified in various classes of confidence using additional information such as vegetation cover, vegetation type, slope, aspect etc. This information is being used as input for the determination of the water supply available for the major reservoirs from the winter snow pack. This will allow also, in the very next future, the estimation of avalanche risk-areas as well as the dynamics of the snow cover extent during 2004 - 2005 winter season for different types of land cover. In the same time a four months validation of the MODIS products was carried out using information from the meteorological station network and on-field observation.