The S2M meteorological and snow cover reanalysis over the French mountainous areas: description and evaluation (1958–2021)

Abstract. This work introduces the S2M (SAFRAN–SURFEX/ISBA–Crocus–MEPRA) meteorological and snow cover reanalysis in French Alps, Pyrenees Corsica, spanning time period from 1958 to 2021. The simulations are made over elementary areas, referred as massifs, designed represent main drivers of spatial variability observed mountain ranges (elevation, slope aspect). is performed by SAFRAN system, which combines information numerical weather prediction models (ERA-40 2002, ARPEGE 2002 2021) best possible set available situ observations. outputs used drive Crocus detailed model, part land surface scheme SURFEX/ISBA. model chain provides evolution cover, underlying ground associated avalanche hazard using MEPRA model. contribution describes discusses climatological characteristics (climatology, trends) limitations this dataset. We provide a short overview scientific applications various fields related conditions areas. An evaluation skill also displayed, particular through comparison 665 independent depth Further, we describe technical handling open-access dataset, at https://doi.org/10.25326/37#v2020.2. data provided Météo-France – CNRS, CNRM, Centre d'Études de la Neige, AERIS (Vernay et al., 2022).