Measuring Snowfalls like the Pros Do

Measuring Record Snow in February 2010

With a major winter storm bringing significant snowfall today in the Northeastern United States, this is a good time to review some simple ways to measure snow accurately.  You should use a flat piece of wood or other light material – preferably white – and place it on a solid, lightly colored surface.  This is called your “snow board.”  White is a highly reflective color that doesn’t become artificially warm by absorbing solar heat. 

 

There are a few simple things you can do before the flakes start falling.  Walk around your yard and identify several spots that are good for taking measurements.  A flat, lightly colored surface away from any structures and free of any overhanging items like branches, signs or awnings is best.  Being away from buildings eliminates any temperature or wind influence from the structure which could affect snowfall accumulations.  Also, since darker colors absorb more heat from the sun and other light sources, it’s ideal to find a lightly colored and flat, but firm space – such as a sidewalk – to place your “snow board.”

During a winter storm take a yard stick or ruler and measure the accumulation by pressing until it hits the “snow board.”  After taking the measurement to the nearest tenth of an inch, promptly clear off the snow and place your board back on its spot. 

You can measure the snow as often as you like, but try to keep a regular schedule such as measuring and clearing your “snow board” four times per day or every six hours during the snowfall.  For those not using a “snow board,” take five to seven measurements and then eliminate your highest and lowest values.  Of the remaining values, average them together and then you’ll have an accurate storm total.  Taking multiple measurements reduces the amount of uncertainty in your data.