Based on several snow cover data from interpretation of OSL visible waveband images and weather station records in western China for 1978/1987

the equation of snow depth retrieval algorithm in view of the difference of SMMR brightness temperature between 18GHz and 37GHz has been evaluated and adjusted in this paper. According to DEM data the whole western China has been divided into five physiographic regions by means of GIS: high mountains

plateau

low mountains

rolling hills and basin. The regional adjusting equations of the retrieval algorithm for these five units have been gotten separately and they have been used to calculate the mean conditions and interannual dynamic changes of snow cover extent and volume for 1978/1987. The results provide the important basic data for studying the effects of snow cover in western China on East Asia climate.