Abstract
We conducted experiments on one-dimensional water infiltration into dry snow to validate a numerical model for it. We observed the wetting front using a near-infrared camera. We used four different particle sizes of sieved snow samples and several supplied water flux. The experimental results were numerically analyzed by using Richardʼs model and a model implementing water entry pressure. The results showed that a model based on Richardʼs equation simulate water infiltration into finer dry snow. However, this model overestimates advancing rate of the wetting front for coarser dry snow such that a slower wetting front movement and higher water content are observed at an early period. The model included the effect of water-entry values that acted as the threshold for capillary pressure, reproduced the actual phenomenon. However, the simulated wetting front velocity obtained using the model was lesser than that obtained during the experiment.
