Possibility of using CE-QUAL-W2 for ice cover purpose ?

I am interested in the possibility of using CE-QUAL-W2 to study the impact of climate change on the ice cover dynamic in lake. However in the manual it is written that "Note that the ice cover algorithm does not take into account snow accumulation on the ice surface". I looked at the equations used in the model to simulate the ice formation, and it seems that the effects on ice dynamic of the snow layer which can overlaps the ice cover are not taking into account. In the field, measurements show that the snow layer has a significant impact on the ice formation. Consequenlty I would like to know if if is relevant to use CE-QUAL-W2 for this type of study. Tibo