Hilberg's Tips -- Snow Measurement Reminder

Before you know it wintery precipitation may be visiting several of you over the next month.  Here is another tip to keep in mind when measuring snow.

While we would like every observer to measure new snowfall we realize that not all observers want to or are able to make this measurement. The snowfall entered on your daily form should be a measurement, not an estimate. The measurement is made by using a ruler or snow stick to measure the depth of the new snow on a snowboard or other level surface. The depth of snow should never be measured in the rain gauge itself. Snowfall should also never be calculated using a snow-to-water ratio or a temperature/snowfall chart. If you don't measure snow but want to provide an estimate of what has fallen, enter NA for new snowfall and include the estimate in your comments. Again, if you are measuring snow please review the online snow measurement videos  -- they are short and are great for a quick review.