SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

Link to snowfall totals around area

Many have questioned how snowfall is measured. OFFICIAL snowfall measurements are taken on a flat board, in the middle of nowhere. No trees around, no fences, no disturbances. Every 3 hours you measure it with a ruler, then wipe the board clean, repeat every 3 hours til storm is done.

How many people really have a backyard that big without a tree or fence?

With that being said: Most don't do official snowfall totals, especially during a storm with winds of that magnitude. With drifiting snow you are supposed to take numerous measurements with your official yard stick, then average them. Also, if snow starts to 'settle' before you measure it, then it can be all nuts.

On the list I linked above you have unoffiical reports because most of the reports are from the 'public'. These are untrained people taking measurements. Any of you can be the public and send in a report.

For more official totals, look at the 'trained spotter' reports or 'co-op observer' or 'NWS employee'.

To be honest, everybody takes the measurement differently. So even if you do it all right, two people can look at the same amount and come up an inch or two different.

I hope this explains it better to those of you that have asked.

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

I will say it's about accurate for where I live. I am talking about the "flat" part that even in my yard.

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

thats interesting, thanks for sharing. there's a 7.5 inch difference between woodside and middle village!

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

Thanks!! I don't mean to hijack the post with a question- but out of curiosity, does a storm like this mean anything for what's to come? Are we really in for a nasty one this winter?

Message edited 12/28/2010 10:36:32 PM.

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

Measurements/shmeasurements I had to clear over 3 feet from my walkway and driveway and 4 feet from my back door to the grass. I know it's snowdrifts, but it was a lot!

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

Thanks! I am guessing that in this storm it was diffifult to that board thing since the wind was so crazy. Maybe that's why the trained spotter ones for seaford, wantagh and bellmore were so different.

Thanks for the explanation. I love to measure snow. Now I want to go set up a board in my backyard for the next storm!

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

My town got one of the highest snowfall amounts out of everyone in the TRI state area... Holy crap 29 inches!

Message edited 12/29/2010 8:56:43 AM.

Re: SNowfall measurements and explanation how they are taken

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks!! I don't mean to hijack the post with a question- but out of curiosity, does a storm like this mean anything for what's to come? Are we really in for a nasty one this winter?