Estimating Ground Snow Load Based on Ground Snow Depth and Climatological Elements for Snow Hazard Assessment in Northeastern China

Abstract Extreme snow loads can collapse roofs. This load is calculated based on the ground (that is, water equivalent ground). However, (SWE) measurements are unavailable for most sites, while depth frequently measured and recorded. A new simple practical algorithm was proposed in this study to evaluate SWE by utilizing depth, precipitation data, wind speed, air temperature. For evaluation, classified as snowfall or rainfall according temperature, then corrected measurement error that mainly caused wind-induced undercatch, effect of loss considered. The developed applied validated using data from 57 meteorological stations located northeastern region China. annual maximum obtained compared with actual measurements. return period values were estimated those procedure suggested Chinese structural design code. comparison indicated use leads a good load. Its allowed estimation sites without facilitated hazard mapping.