OBSERVATION RECORDING PARAMETERS

Term Description

Observation Location

Record the location of the observation site or nearest prominent topographic landmark (mountain, pass, drainage, avalanche path, etc.), political landmark (town, road mile, etc.). If the measurements are made at an established study site, record the site name or number.

Elevation (ASL) Record the elevation of the observation site in feet (meters) above sea level.

Date Record the date on which the observation is being made (YYYYMMDD).

Time

Record the local time in the 24-hour clock (0000-2359) at which the observation began.

Observer(s Record the name or names of the personnel that made the observation.

Sky Conditions Record the sky conditions using the data codes in the SKY CONDITION table.

Current Precipitation

Record the precipitation rate using the scale and data codes in the PRECIPITATION RATE table.

Air Temperature Record the 24-hour maximum, minimum, and current air temperature to the nearest degree F (or 0.5 C). The current air temperature should be observed in a shaded location with a thermometer 5 feet (1.5 m) above the ground or snow surface.

Snow Temperature Record the snow temperature 8 in (or 20 cm) below the snow surface by digging in to the snow and providing a snow wall to insert the thermometer. Shade the snow surface and insert the thermometer to allow it to adjust, then insert the thermometer in a new location to record the temperature.

Boot/Ski Penetration

Total Snow Depth

24-Hour New Snow Depth

Height of Storm Snow

Record the surface penetration to the nearest 0.5 in (or whole cm). Measure the penetration of a ski from centerline.

Record the total depth of snow on the ground to the nearest 0.5 in (or whole cm).

Record the depth of the snow that accumulated during the previous 24-hours to the nearest 0.5 in (or whole cm). This measurement needs to be recorded using a 24-hour interval snow board that is cleared every day at the same time, or 24 hours prior to the observation.

Record the depth of the snow that accumulated throughout the duration of a storm event to the nearest 0.5 in (or whole cm). This measurement needs to be recorded using a storm snow board that is cleared before and after every storm event.

Wind Direction

Observe the wind for at least two minutes and record the average wind direction or use an automated measurement. Record wind direction as N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW. If an automated measurement is used, record to the nearest 10 degrees.

Wind Speed

Maximum Wind Gust

Blowing Snow

Observe the wind for at least two minutes and record the average wind speed.

Observe the wind for at least two minutes and record the speed of the strongest wind gust, or use an automated measurement. For an automated measurement, record the time that the wind gust occurred.

Record as a Yes or No if snow transport is observed at any time during field and weather observations.