Snow Water Equivalent forecasting platform for the hydropower sector

In areas with winter snow, hydropower companies rely on the water release by the melting snow to operate. Our SnoWE platform aims to model the SWE of the snow cover and predict the water inflow according to the weather. In order to achieve this, we will combine the data generated by our own snow-radar device (Think Outside) with the data satellite on the snow cover (ExoLabs) and feed our own water production models under different short and medium-term weather forecast (Ubimet). The project partner will offer through Think Outside the services to hydropower companies. Our customers will have access to the data on the SWE and predicted water inflow of their respective areas. This data will start with an on-site data collection process performed by our personnel using our proprietary snow-radar devices, which will be combined by our models with the satellite data and the weather data to inform our customers on the estimated inflow. Project need: It is essential for hydropower company to correctly model the snow water equivalent (SWE) and inflow, if their estimations are not right, it will result in water spills typically in the spring. These spills represent lost revenue (water energy is not generated from) and often result in downstream river flooding, which may damage crops and infrastructures. This platform will allow these companies to plan the use of the water reserves to generate electricity and minimise spills and lost revenue. Our solution: Product SnoWE is a breakthrough platform to obtain a better understanding of the water content stored in the snowpack, particularly in mountain areas, where data collection is complex and satellite images are not accurate enough. The combination of the collection of best data possible and unique forecast models enables SnoWE to become the best tool to manage the water reserves in advance to changing weather conditions. As a result, SnoWE will minimise water spills and maximise the value water during spring and summer.