A Guide To Measuring Snow

Measuring snow via a snowboard works well in areas with little or no wind.  In Virginia however, we sometimes deal with wind driven snow...in these cases the below snow measuring method works best.

MEASURING SNOW. -Measuring snow accurately can be difficult, especially when it is windy. Here are guidelines to help you measure the snowfall.

To measure new snow, measure snow in an area that was clear of snow previous to the start of the current snowfall. You should use a ruler or yard stick and take an average of multiple measurements.  Do not stick the measuring stick too deep into the grass.  Try to get 5 or 6 measurements from various locations and then take the average.  If it is windy, choose an area that is not in a snow drift and is not in a place where the wind has blown the snow so that the ground is bare.  Use good judgment in selecting an area where the snow is least affected by the wind.

 

Graphic of how to measure snow with a ruler.

A Guide To Measuring Ice

 

Ice accumulation occurs when rain falls with surface temperatures at or below freezing.  This is commonly called freezing rain, or glaze.

The best way to measure ice accumulation is to break off a very small branch/twig from a tree.  Use a ruler to measure the thickness of ice in tenths of an inch.  There may be one side of the branch or twig with a greater thickness of ice than the other side.  In this instance, please report the average thickness of ice buildup.

A half of an inch of ice buildup will usually start to bring down tree limbs and power lines.

 

Is there a difference between sleet and ice?                                                                                                      

The answer is yes. Sleet, also called ice pellets are raindrops that freeze before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting the ground or other hard objects. It accumulates like snow.

Ice, also called freezing rain and glaze, is rain that makes it to the ground or other surface, such as power lines and trees. The temperature of the air is above freezing, but the ground, or elevated object, such as the tree or power line is at or below freezing. When the rain hits the surface is freezes on contact. Freezing rain or freezing drizzle can create treacherous walking or driving conditions.