# New dataset published in the CDS: Snow cover extent from 1982 to present derived from satellite observations

**URL:** <https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/new-dataset-published-in-the-cds-snow-cover-extent-from-1982-to-present-derived-from-satellite-observations/15033>\
**Category:** C3S - Datasets and Usage\
**Tags:** c3s, cds, ecv\
**Created:** [2 June 2026 11:00 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/new-dataset-published-in-the-cds-snow-cover-extent-from-1982-to-present-derived-from-satellite-observations/15033 "2026-06-02T11:00:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Anabelle](https://forum.ecmwf.int/user_avatar/forum.ecmwf.int/anabelle/32/360_2.png) [@Anabelle](https://forum.ecmwf.int/u/Anabelle)\
**Post date:** [2 June 2026 11:00 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/new-dataset-published-in-the-cds-snow-cover-extent-from-1982-to-present-derived-from-satellite-observations/15033/1 "2026-06-02T11:00:02Z")

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We are pleased to announce the publication of a new Essential Climate Variable (ECV) product from the Cryosphere domain, in the Climate Data Store (CDS) on 02 June 2026:

> **[Snow cover extent from 1982 to present derived from satellite observations](https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/datasets/satellite-snow-cover-extent?tab=overview)**
>
> This dataset provides daily estimates of snow-covered land areas obtained from observations collected by multiple optical satellite instruments. As snow cover plays a crucial role in weather and climate, this data is particularly valuable for...

Snow Cover Extent (SCE) provides daily global estimates of snow-covered areas since 1982, derived from NOAA AVHRR, Terra MODIS, and Sentinel-3 SLSTR satellite sensors. Developed for climate monitoring applications, this dataset offers a consistent, long-term observational record of snow distribution across land surfaces. In forested regions, the product includes two thematic variables: (1) **Snow Cover Fraction on Ground (SCFG)** and (2) **Snow Cover Fraction Viewable from Above (SCFV)**. This distinction improves the ability to monitor snow dynamics under varying land cover conditions and is especially valuable for studies of surface energy balance, albedo-related climate feedbacks, climate trend detection, and model validation.

Please refer to the dataset [documentation](https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/datasets/satellite-snow-cover-extent?tab=documentation) for in-depth information.

For any enquiries regarding this dataset, please [contact us](https://climate.copernicus.eu/help-and-support)(ECMWF login required).

ECMWF Support

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**Author:** ![Jayne\_Doshi](https://forum.ecmwf.int/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/278dde/32.png) [@Jayne\_Doshi](https://forum.ecmwf.int/u/Jayne_Doshi)\
**Post date:** [5 June 2026 08:12 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/new-dataset-published-in-the-cds-snow-cover-extent-from-1982-to-present-derived-from-satellite-observations/15033/3 "2026-06-05T08:12:34Z")

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Ok! but first allow us to download the data. See your wait period of running status. Dont publish new data first try to solve your old problems.

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**Author:** ![Reyes\_Joyce](https://forum.ecmwf.int/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/d07c76/32.png) [@Reyes\_Joyce](https://forum.ecmwf.int/u/Reyes_Joyce)\
**Post date:** [20 July 2026 09:08 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/new-dataset-published-in-the-cds-snow-cover-extent-from-1982-to-present-derived-from-satellite-observations/15033/4 "2026-07-20T09:08:52Z")

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Has anyone compared this new snow cover dataset against regional snow depth observations or other satellite products? I’m curious how it performs in heavily forested or mountainous areas.