General Comments

This study investigates the ability of the SVS land surface model to estimate surface (snow depths) and subsurface (soil moisture and temperature, deep percolation) conditions over a multi-year period in a cold climate.  SVS simulations are compared against large-scale lysimeter data from Quebec, Canada, and although the study doesn’t conclusively answer the title’s question, the results are intriguing and useful.  The preprint is generally well-written and clear.  Presented results highlight the limitations of soil physics representations within current land surface models, particularly the lack of preferential flow that is prevalent in most settings and important for both unfrozen and frozen ground conditions.  Improving our ability to predict water partitioning under frozen ground conditions is a very important subject, since it controls both surface and subsurface water cycle components, so I also appreciate the authors tackling this critical problem.  There are several minor comments, questions, and issues that I have incorporated directly into an annotated copy of the manuscript (see uploaded annotated PDF).  Once these comments have been addressed, I think the study would be deserving of publication.

Dear authors, 

Please find my comments in the attached document.