6.2.5 Snow top temperature product

Microwave satellites assist in determining the detailed distribution of temperatures at the top of snowpack, which is useful to hydrologists and others interested in assessing and predicting snowmelt.

Temperatures at the top of the snowpack are also used to assess snowpack stability, including the potential for crusting at the top of the snowpack and surface hoar formation.

NWS snowpack temperature analysis over U.S. for 24-hour period ending 6 UTC, 21 January 2006.