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How to Calculate Snowfall From Liquid

Measuring the snow equivalent of water isn't an exact science because the density of fallen snow varies. A general rule, however, can be applied to snowfalls with regular density, which are the most common. Use a snow gauge to collect the snow, though any wide and flat container will suffice. You need to make sure all the snow in the gauge is melted before estimating the snowfall.

Things You'll Need

Snow gauge
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Measure, in millimeters (mm) the amount of water collected. Typically, 1 mm of water is equivalent to 1 centimeter (cm) of snow.
- 2
  Multiply all other water measurements by 10 to find the snow equivalent in the same units. For example, 2 cm of water is approximately 20 cm of snow.
- 3
  Note that this measurement isn't always accurate if you experienced particularly fluffy snow or dense snow. Snow can range from 15 cm of light snow melting to form 1 millimeter of water, or 0.5 cm of dense snow equaling 1 mm of water.

Nature