Preparation is the key to accurate and consistent snow observations.
Anyone can take good snow observations with the help of a little
enthusiasm, some basic instruction, simple equipment, an appropriate
and representative location to take observations, and a little
knowledge about how snow behaves.
When your weather station is first established:
Invest time in carefully determining the best location for installing
the precipitation gauge. Finding a good site at the very beginning
will improve and simplify observations from then on.
In order to select the best location(s) for measuring snowfall and
depth, carefully consider drifting snow and wind patterns and sunshine
and shading patterns.
Establish and maintain a fixed time of day for completing the daily
weather observation. Midnight has been the standard for NWS
First-Order stations and is very convenient for record keeping. It
would be ideal if all stations utilized the same daily observation
time nationwide, but for volunteer stations this is not a requirement.
For volunteer stations, it is most important to select an observation
time that is compatible with the daily schedule of the observer and
acceptable to the NWS and others who may use the data. Early morning
or evening observation times are most common among NWS Cooperative
stations.
Each year before the first snow comes:
Review the instructions for measuring snow. It is easy to forget what
needs to be measured, especially in those parts of the country where
snow falls infrequently.
Check your equipment. Make sure everything is in good condition. Put a
new coat of white paint on your snowboard if it needs it. Make sure
your precipitation gauge has no leaks. If possible, try to have an
extra outer cylinder for the precipitation gauge on hand. If you are
in deep snow country, make sure your snowstake is legible and securely
installed in the vertical position. Many snowstakes can be found lying
on the ground at the end of the summer, which doesn't do much good
when the winter snows arrive.
Growth of vegetation and the construction or removal of buildings can change station exposure from one year to the next. Check to make sure that your instrument exposure is still satisfactory. Make improvements if necessary, but always document any changes to the station.
Before the first snow arrives, put out your snowboard and remove the
funnel and inner measuring tube from your standard precipitation
gauge.
Find a friend or neighbor who shares your interest and can help you
out when you need a second opinion or when you are away from your
station.