Abstract
The objective is to develop an estimation method of snowdepth distribution in mountainous areas. The existing SWE model shows underestimation of snowdepth in the Yoneshiro River catchment because of the observation error of snowfall. To improve the estimation, this study incorporates assimilation strategy of observed snow depth into snow water equivalent (SWE) model at regular intervals and determines the most accurate assimilation method in some methods proposed. Observed snowdepth and disappearance dates of snow cover obtained from thermometers on the ground are used for the validation. As results, the assimilation method can reduce the observation error of snowfall and the analysis shows high accuracy of snowdepth in high mountainous area.
