Snow Depth Measurements - January 2 and 3, 2014

Project #211 on iSENSEProject.org

OVERVIEW

In this project, you will be measuring the snow accumulation in different locations in and around Boston during the snow storm that has been predicted for Thursday, January 2, 2014.

PROCEDURE

1) Measure the depth of accumulated snow as soon as possible after the end of the snowstorm. (See note about depth measurement below.)

2) Enter the depth value (in inches), the temperature, the time of collection, and the location, using the Manual Entry option on iSENSE.

MEASURING SNOW DEPTH It's easy to measure snow depth improperly. It's a lot harder to get an accurate snow depth reading. Drifts and settling are the two main enemies of accuracy.  You can measure informally or formally.  

Whether you measure formally or informally, measure the snow as soon after the storm is over as is possible. Snow compacts under its own weight, so the longer you wait, the less deep the measurement will be.

To measure snow depth informally, look for an area where snow fall has not been affected by overhanging trees or structures, and where snow has not drifted. Make a measurement there.

To measure snow depth formally, find an open space where you can walk 10 meters in two perpendicular directions. Walk 10 meters in a direction parallel to the way the wind blew, taking a measurement every meter.  Then walk 10 meters in the perpendicular direction, taking measurements every meter.  Calculate the average of your measurements.