Users of snow data in the United States are many and varied ranging from recreation and transportation industries to agriculture, architecture and engineering. Few people involved in collecting snow data are aware of the many important and high value applications that the data will undergo. Likewise, few users of snow data are aware of the many difficulties faced by weather observers in accurately and consistently observing snowfall and its attributes.
In this paper, the difficulties in measuring snow and its water content will be discussed. The quality and homogeneity of snow data in the U.S. is reduced by inconsistent observation times, measurement intervals, station siting, and limited observer training. Snow boards are not required or provided to weather observers as an aid in snow measurement. In addition, direct measurements of the water content of fresh snow and of total snow on the ground are rarely taken and usually must be inferred from gauge catch and subsequent weather conditions. These measurements are extremely valuable for many engineering, transportation, snow removal and water resources applications. The gauge catch efficiency for snowfall, especially in windy areas, is known to be poor and inconsistent.
Examples of impacts of inconsistent snow data for selected applications will be described. Suggestions will be given on a few simple actions that could improve the quality and uniformity of NWS snow measurements.