SWE retrieval over a forested watershed using a snow emission model inversion algorithm

For Hydro-Québec, the water contains within the snow-pack represents more than 30% of its annual energy reserve. Moreover, 97% of Hydro-Quebec´s power production is hydroelectric. Thus, the knowledge of the maximum value of snow water equivalent is a crucial information to maximise hydropower generation for all Hydro-Québec´s watersheds. To improve monitoring snow properties in forested areas, a model inversion scheme is adapted to incorporate the information provided by the total volume map produced by the Canadian Forest Service. The first results show that the inversion algorithm can quantify adequately the snow water equivalent during the winter period over a forested watershed.