Prototype of the FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app

Snow loads have a significant impact on infrastructure, so it is important for civil engineers, policy makers and other stakeholders to have information on future snow loads, especially in a changing climate. To meet this need, the FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app has been developed by CNRS as a user-friendly platform that provides 50-year return level estimates of snow loads. The estimates are based on datasets of regional reanalyzes and regional climate projections from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The portal is currently available as a prototype on an SK8-server at INRAE with potential for future integration into a Copernicus-hosted platform

At a global warming level of +3°C, the app's data generally indicate a significant decrease in extreme snow loads across Europe compared to today's +1°C global warming level. The methodology behind these estimates is detailed in the recent publication by Evin et al. (2025). The study introduces non-stationary models specifically designed for regions where snowfall is rare, improving accuracy for low elevation and low latitude areas.

To promote Copernicus and the FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app, several outreach initiatives have been organized. Two workshops in Germany and a snow load session at the Finland's National Snow Seminar have introduced the prototype to a wide range of potential users, including civil engineers, disaster management agencies and researchers. We are currently launching an online survey to gather user feedback.

The main achievements are:

• Open-access service: Prototype of FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app
  • Use of C3S-Data in a new service
  • User friendly service
  • Including user guide and explanation to data and method
• Publication “Estimating changes in extreme snow load in Europe as a function of global warming levels” (2025, Evin et al)
  • flexible framework to estimate changes in extreme snow load in Europe
  • introducing nonstationary models dedicated to regions where snowfalls are rare
  • Method underlying the FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app
• Promoting Copernicus, CDS/C3S and the prototype of FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app
  • 2 workshops in Germany
  • 1 snow load session in the national snow seminar in Finland