The USH-8 Ultrasonic Snow Depth Sensor by SOMMER is ideal for the reliable measurement of snow-depth in extreme conditions. The sensor’s principle of measurement deals with the transit-time measurement of an ultrasonic pulse. The sensor transmits several energy-charged pulses to the snow cover and subsequently receives its reflected signals. Based upon the required transit time of the ultrasonic signals, the USH-8 sensor calculates the current snow depth. The processing time of the ultrasonic pulses here is enormously influenced by the air temperature. For this reason, the snow depth sensor also possesses integrated temperature compensation. This takes into account the influence of the air temperature on the processing time of the ultrasonic signals, in the calculation of the snow depth. The calculation takes place in the sensor, so that the output signal provides the already converted snow depth. USH-8 Specifications: Snow Depth Measurement Range of measurement: 0 to 8 m Minimum distance to the maximum expected snow depth: 1 m Accuracy: 0,1 % (FS) Resolution 1 mm Principle of measurement: Ultrasonic (Frequency 50 kHz; Angle of reflected beam 12°) Integrated Compensation of the Air Temperature Temperature sensor: Integrated air-temperature sensor in self-venting radiation shield Range of measurement: -35 to 60 °C Resolution: 0,1 °C Non-linearity: ? 0,15 % Interfaces Analogue: Snow depth measurement 0/4 - 20 mA signal (configurable) Resolution: 12 Bit Max. load: 300 ? Digital: Snow depth measurement; air temperature; quality flag RS 232; serial interface Protocol: Various ASCII formats

Since 2014, the Digital Barometer PTB330, by VAISALA, is installed. Vaisala BAROCAP® Digital Barometer PTB330 is a new generation barometer, designed for a wide range of high-end atmospheric pressure measurement. -Vaisala BAROCAP® sensor -Accurate measurement -Excellent long-term stability -Added reliability through redundancy -Graphical trend display with 1-year history data -Altitude corrected pressure (QFE, QNH) -For professional use in meteorology, aviation, laboratories, and demanding industrial applications

At the AWS Pheriche station the CM6B Kipp&Zonen pyranometer is installed. It is mounted on a 2m pole. The CM6B is a first class pyranometer as defined by the World Meteorological Organization. It is suitable for the measurement of solar irradiance on a plane surface (W/m2). It incorporates a 64-thermocouple sensor, which is rotationally symmetrical, housed under K5 domes. A white screen prevents the body of the pyranometer from heating up. The pyranometer is supplied with a spirit level and screws for accurate levelling. A drying cartridge keeps the interior free from humidity. The technical characteristics are: - Spectral range: 305 to 2800 nm (50%points) - Sensitivity: 9 to 15µV/Wm-2 - Impedance: 70 to100 Ohm - Response time: 1/e 5 s, 99 % 55 s - Non-linearity: <1.5 % (<1000 W/m2) - Tilt error: <1.5 % at 1000 W/m2 - Operating temperature: -40 to +90 °C - Temperature dependence of sensitivity +/- 2% (-10 to +40°C) - Maximum irradiance 2000 W/m2 - Directional error: <+/- 20 W/m2 at 1000 W/m2 - Weight: 0.85 kg - Cable length: 10

The Win-Situ multiparametric probe TROLL 9500 (Water level, water temperature, water conductivity and turbidity) was installed on 2nd July 2012 with the aim of providing a general assessment of quantity and quality of the running water network in Sagarmatha National Park (Dud Koshi basin) with a special focus on the evaluation of the climate change (CC) occurred at local and region level and its possible effects on water availability. From August 2014 the station is powered with photovoltaic system. Geographical coordinates: Latitude: 27° 53' 0.4" N Longitude: 86° 49' 6.3” E Elevation (m): 4222 Water Level: - Accuracy: ±0.05% FS; Range: 15 psi Water temperature: - Accuracy::±0.1°C; Range:-5°C ÷ +50°C; Methodology: EPA 170.1 Conductivity: -Accuracy::±5%; Methodology: Std.Mthds. 2510, EPA 120.1 Turbidity: -Accuracy::±5% or 2 NTU; Range:0 NTU ÷ 2000 NTU; Methodology: ISO 7027

In the Khumbu Valley, located in the central part of the Himalayan range and including the area of Sagarmatha National Park, a network of 7 Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs) has been installed since 1994. These weather stations are located at different altitudes: Lukla (2,660 m a.s.l), Namche (3,570 m a.s.l), Periche (4,260 m a.s.l), Lobuche (5,050 m a.s.l) near the Pyramid - Laboratory Observatory, Kala Patthar (5,600 m a.s.l), Changri Nup Glacier (5,700 m a.s.l) and Mt. Everest - South Col (8.000 m a.s.l). The network mainly takes measurements of 7 standards parameters: air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, global radiation and total precipitation. Meteo-climatic observations in this area are very important to better understand the environmental changes that are affecting the ecosystem, helping the scientific community to improve the prediction of this environmental phenomena’s evolution and modification. The Periche station was installed in October 2001. Geographical coordinates: - Latitude: 27° 53' 43" N - Longitude: 86° 49' 7.5" E

The Ev-K2-CNR Project has been promoting and developing research at high altitude (>2,500 m a.sl.) in the Himalaya and Karakoram since 1987. Recently, activities have been focused on development of a monitoring network (stations at High Altitude for Research on the Environment in Asia: SHARE-Asia) to increase the environmental and geophysical scientific knowledge in these mountain regions. Research and monitoring activity at high altitude require a particular experience and a well-organized network. Ev-K2-CNR has accumulated a significant experience in managing a high altitude network of automatic weather stations along the Khumbu Valley (Nepal) and in northern Pakistan (Baltistan region) in the framework of the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period Project. With the installation of an Atmospheric Brown Clouds Project (ABC) monitoring station near the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory in 2006, near the base of Mount Everest, SHARE-Asia can also contribute to the study of atmospheric circulation of pollutants. The “ABC-Pyramid” is the first of a network of stations that are planned to be installed at altitudes between 2,500 and 5,000 m a.s.l. along the Himalayan–Karakoram chain. These stations will be operated under active cooperation with the local scientific community, creating ample cooperation between western countries and developing countries in the region.