How do you collect all the data about snow?

Our shifts are set according to GMT time. Often you need to get up before 6AM, because the package of data needs to be ready before 7AM. In wintertime it is dark, gloomy, cold and unpleasant. Measuring the snow cover is quite problematic, as there is no unified system to do that. We designate several places where we measure the depth, and count the average. We also use ultrasound instruments to do that. This is required if you want the data to have any scientific relevance.

Once a week we dig a snow profile, all the way to the very bottom. We determine the boundaries of certain snow layers, we collect data about moisture, structure, temperature or stability. We also use advanced equipment to gather all these data without the need of digging and these devices send us a report every minute. Then we process the data and check for any inconsistencies. The data are sent to Cracow to our regional headquarters and are published in a weekly snow bulletin. “Tatry” magazine, issued by the national park, also publishes scientific papers that are based on our measurements.