SNOdar Snow Depth Sensor
54000 / 54200
The SNOdar is a highly accurate, reliable snow depth sensor designed to deliver real-time data—even in the middle of a snowstorm! Its mobile app makes setup effortless while providing instant access to live snow depth measurements from anywhere in the world.
$1,699.00 – $1,999.00
Quantity discounts applied during checkout. Excludes sensor cables.
The SNOdar is renowned for its accurate and robust monitoring of snow depth and new snowfall, even during winter storm events. It is one of the only snow depth sensors that utilizes LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to provide accurate snow depth measurements. This high-precision method allows the SNOdar to create detailed, real-time snow depth data, ensuring reliable and efficient snow monitoring for a variety of applications. For added convenience, the SNOdar mobile app allows quick configuration, real-time monitoring via Bluetooth, and easy data downloads directly to your device.
The SNOdar transmits data via RS-232 or SDI-12 to a range of commercially available telemetry systems, including Satcom, data loggers, and cell modems. It also features an internal, non-volatile data logger capable of storing an entire season’s worth of data, eliminating the need for separate data loggers for each sensor—resulting in significant cost savings during deployment. Its compact, lightweight design is built to withstand temperatures of -40°C and below. It runs on a 12 VDC battery, averaging less than 0.5 W of power, with a small battery and solar panel (e.g., 50Ah + 10W) sufficient for seasonal deployment. Easily configurable as a distance sensor, stormboard snowfall sensor, or seasonal snow depth sensor.
Backed by a 1-year warranty.
Applications:
- SNOTEL Snow Depth Monitoring
- Stormboard Snowfall Measurement
- Avalanche Monitoring and Forecasting
- DOT Road Conditions Monitoring
- Ski Resort Snow Monitoring
- Cornice Growth
- General Snow Management
- Snow Load Roof Monitoring
- Parking Lot Snow Removal Monitoring
- Snow Depth for Railroad Monitoring
Features:
- Real-time, accurate snow depth information during storms and heavy snowfall (NO postprocessing necessary)
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled configuration, installation, and live display
- Seasonal internal data logger
- Seasonal snow depth and new snowfall, even during heavy snowfall
- Seasonal snowfall totals
- Optional add-on estimated Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)
- SDI-12 data logger connectivity with commercially available devices (e.g. CSI CR6)
- RS-232 Satcom connectivity with commercially available devices (e.g. Rockblock Iridium)
- Sensor orientation monitoring (e.g. high snow load, high wind, tower shifting)
- Normal or oblique angle mounting (up to 30 degrees) for flexible mounting locations on inclines or stormboards
- Low power deployment, ≤ 500 mW average consumption
Electrical Interfaces:
Wired
The communication standards accessible on cable allow for rapid deployment with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) telemetry devices.
- 1 RS-232 port (common among commercial Satcom / LTE modems)
- 1 SDI-12 port (common among remote sensors and commercial data loggers)
Wireless
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.x
- 2 Mbps PHY capable, up to 50 meters Line-of-Sight (LOS)
- Long Range 125 Kbps PHY, up to 250 meters LOS
- The wireless connection allows for quick setup and calibration, data monitoring and sharing.
Accessories
Cable
The cable that ships with the SNOdar has a straight overmolded connector.
- Rated -40°C to 105°C
- Power Rating: 300V
- IP67 Connector (Outer Jacket is UV and Water Resistant)
- Wire Gauge: 20 AWG
- UL Recognized, CSA Certified and RoHS Compliant
- Length: 10 meters
- Blunt cut for connection flexibility
The cable pinout and cable data sheet.
Mounting Clamp
The clamp that ships with the SNOdar is aluminum 6061-T6 with 304-stainless steel hardware and accommodates a pipe OD of 1.49-1.58”. Please contact SLI if a different size clamp is required.
- Medium duty clamp for 1.5” OD Tube
- Minimum Tube Size: 38mm
- Maximum Tube Size: 40mm
- Maximum Load Capacity: 100kg/220lbs
The clamp drawing, a custom derivative of this pn: MINI 360 1.5.
Regulatory Compliance & Certs
Full Compliance
- EMC
- FCC 15B and ISES-003 Issue 7
- CISPR 32:2015 / CENELEC EN 55032:2015
- CISPR 35:2016 / CENELEC EN 55035:2017
- ETSI EN 301 489-1 v2.2.3:2019
- ETSI EN 301 489-17 v3.1.1:2020
- IP67
- IEC 60529 Section 13.4, 13.6
- IEC 60529 Section 14.2.7
- Safety
- IEC 61010-1:2010
- IEC 61010-1:2010/AMD1:2016
- RoHS
| Input Voltage: | Input voltage range (VDC): |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature: | Outside, ambient operating temperature range: |
| Storage Temperature: | Inside, ambient storage temperature range: |
| Mechanical Vibration: | Mil-STD-883D, Method 2007.2, 20 to 2000 Hz: |
| Mechanical Shock: | Mil-STD-883D, Method 2002.3, 1 msec, 1/2 sine, mounted: |
| Ingress Protection: | Dust tight. Immersion, up to 1 meter depth :: IP67 |
| Corrosion Resistance: | MIL-A-8625, Aluminum anodizing process (6061 T6) :: Type II |
| Accuracy | Typical deviation from absolute depth: |
| Resolution: | Minimum detectable depth change: |
| Range: | Distance from snow target: |
| Measurement Interval: | 1 minute granularity: |
| Current Consumption: | @ 12 VDC, with Heater OFF (Idle, Active): |
| Power Consumption: | Max measured with heater ON; |
| Average Power: | Typical average seasonal power usage: 0.5 watts |
| Weight: | Without mounting clamp: 265 grams |
| Size: | 6.3 x 6.3 x 9.5 (W x L x H) |
| Obliqueness | From vertical, angle slant relative to measuring surface |