The Science Behind Measuring Snow

I'm sure most of you think that measuring snow is as simply as sticking a ruler or meter stick anywhere in the ground and recording that as the total snowfall. Well that is wrong. In fact, when you measure snow the correct way, you actually end up with a greater snowfall total. That is because the more common or incorrect way of measuring doesn't account factors like melting or blowing snow.

To measure snow correctly, you first want to gather the supplies, which include: a 2' by 2' white board (such as plyboard or a cutting board), a ruler or yard stick, and a flag. Next, find an open area to place the board and flag so it is away from trees, your home, and other tall objects. Place that board in the open area and put the flag in the ground right next to the board so you know where it is in the snow. Once the snow begins to fall, record and measure the snow on the board every 6 hours. After measuring following the first 6 hours, brush off all the snow on the board and wait another 6 hours to measure. Keep repeating this step until the snow is over. Once the snow is over, measure that snow right away to avoid it from melting and blowing, then add up all the measurements you took to come up with a snowfall total. Finally, report your snowfall total to Jackson's Weather and the National Weather Service! :)

By measuring snow using this method, you'll be surprised to find how much more accurate it is and how much more snow has fallen in comparison to the other technique. Now you know the science behind measuring snow!

#winter #science