Snow-glide model in LTER Research Site Stubai Valley, Austria

Snow-glide measurements were conducted using an aluminum glide shoe connected to a wire drum (In der Gand 1954). The total snow-glide distance was assessed in spring immediately after snowmelt. For details on study sites as well as conducted snow-glide measurements refer to Leitinger et al (2008) and Meusburger et al (2014).
The static friction coefficient (µs) was measured for all LULC types present in our modelling study area Tyrol (A) whereas field measurements of the initial force to get the glide shoe moving on the vegetation surface (Fr) were done with a spring balance (Pesola® Medio 1000 g). The static friction coefficient (µs) was then calculated following µs = Fr / Fn (equ 2). The normal force Fn is given by Fn = m g cos ? (equ 3),where m is the weight of the glide shoe in grams (in our study 170g), g the standard gravity, and ? is the slope angle (°). More detailed description of measurements is given by Meusburger et al (2014).