How To Measure Snow With Your Rain Gauge
There are a few different ways of measuring snowfall, and snow depth can be measured manually with a ruler, or digitally with sensors. Here, we take a look at a method of measuring snow with a rain gauge. Due to the fact that snow can block the opening of the rain gauge, and can gradually or partially melt during this day, this method is best suited to weather watchers who are diligent about taking their weather readings daily, and at the same time each day.
Although rain gauges are typically designed for liquid precipitation, with a few adjustments, they can also give you valuable information about snowfall. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accurately measure snow using your rain gauge, giving you the liquid equivalent of freshly fallen snow, which can be converted into snowfall.
1. Remove the Funnel: During snowy conditions, it's important to remove the funnel from your rain gauge as early-on as possible. This allows snow to collect in the gauge’s wider opening, ensuring you capture all precipitation.
2. Collect the Snow: Let snow accumulate in the gauge just as rain would. Ensure the rain gauge is in an open area, free from obstructions like trees or buildings that could affect snowfall amounts. Take a look at our 'How To Mount Your Rain Gauge' guide for tips.
3. Melt the Snow: Once you’ve collected your snow sample, bring the gauge indoors to melt it. You can either wait for it to melt naturally at room temperature or gently warm it with a hairdryer, carefully on the radiator, or by placing your gauge in a sink of warm water, paying attention not to spill any of the snow.
4. Measure the Meltwater: After the snow has melted, you’ll see the liquid equivalent of the snow in the gauge. Measure this just as you would for rainfall. Take a look at our 'How To Take Rainfall Measurements' guide for tips. If you track your rainfall readings on a graph, such as the one included on the ClimeMET CM5011 Rainfall Chart, you can record the amount as usual in inches or millimetres. Some customers like to colour-code snow readings, or use an abbreviation such as 'sn' to denote snow.
5. Convert to Snowfall Amount: Multiply the melted water by the snow-to-water ratio. On average, 1 inch of liquid water represents about 10 inches of snow, but this can vary depending on the type of snow. This is the ratio used by NASA, although some areas may use their own ratios. For example, 0.1 inches of water would generally equal about 1 inch of snow.
By following these steps, your rain gauge can be a handy tool for tracking snowfall as well as rainfall in your garden at home. Be sure to check your equipment regularly in freezing conditions to ensure accurate readings, and purchase a high-quality rain gauge, such as the ClimeMET CM1016 or Remex L6 to ensure it doesn't crack in freezing conditions.
Also in Rain Gauges: How To
How To Take Rainfall Measurements
How To Mount Your Rain Gauge
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