In this contribution, first results from field tests of a novel laser-based instrument for estimating depth-resolved snow density are presented. The Snow Laser Drill (SLD) integrates a high-energy laser with a laser rangefinder, which are collinearly combined and directed towards the snow surface at an adjustable angle. While the high energy laser continuously penetrates the snowpack, the range finder concurrently measures hole depth and thus penetration speed. Based on the correlation of penetration rate with a predefined thermal model of the snow, a depth-resolved density profile of the entire snowpack can be derived in the millimetre-range. The system was developed and calibrated in a series of lab experiments, which resulted in a prototype SLD. This instrument was then trialled in several field campaigns in the Alps and the Arctic in the winters 2021/22 and 2022/23. During these campaigns, SLD density profiles were recorded at different locations within study sites in Austria and on Svalbard. SLD data were compared with gravimetric snow density observations and snow density calculations derived from SnowMicroPen measurements. We present first results from these field tests and discuss the potential and limitations of the new instrument as well as giving an outlook on future applications. For details on the lab experiments, see part 1 of this contribution (Koßagk et al., 2023). Keywords: Snow Density, Laser, Arctic and Alpine Snow, Snow Stratigraphy
