Snow and wind in Post Falls

[Cnynrat]

Interesting. He's obviously more dedicated than I am!

Measuring more often will definitely result in higher totals since snow tends to settle fairly quickly. The CoCoRaHS folks would like us to measure right after the snow stops falling to minimize the amount of settling that happens before the measurement is taken, but they recognize most people don't have the time for that.

Just tip for anyone who decides to measure and record snow water content, if you have a decent kitchen scale that measures weight in grams it's much faster to weigh the snow than it is to melt it. If you know the weight of your container when empty, and the weight of an inch of rain, you can easily calculate the number of equivalent inches of rainfall in your snow by subtracting out the weight of the container and then using simple ratios to calculate the amount of water in the snow.

Dave

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by Cnynrat

Interesting. He's obviously more dedicated than I am!

Measuring more often will definitely result in higher totals since snow tends to settle fairly quickly. The CoCoRaHS folks would like us to measure right after the snow stops falling to minimize the amount of settling that happens before the measurement is taken, but they recognize most people don't have the time for that.

Just tip for anyone who decides to measure and record snow water content, if you have a decent kitchen scale that measures weight in grams it's much faster to weigh the snow than it is to melt it. If you know the weight of your container when empty, and the weight of an inch of rain, you can easily calculate the number of equivalent inches of rainfall in your snow by subtracting out the weight of the container and then using simple ratios to calculate the amount of water in the snow.

Dave

My brain hurts!

[Mtnman55]

So been looking at NID, Bonners Ferry etc. Been there in the summer but not winter. Seems like they have been having more snow than they are used to, true? Sunny then snowy? Just asking because want to retire eleswhere than where we are and we like ID, and have friends in Boise, and Juliaetta. Thanks all.

[Cnynrat]

The past two winters have given us more snow than average - over 90" both this year and last, vs. 65" or so on average.

On the other hand, for 2-3 years before that winters had much less snow than average.

When we ask long timers up here about what a typical winter looks like they tell us there is no such thing. They are all different.

I think regardless of the amount of snow winters tend to be a little gray. Sure, sunny days and blue skies happen in winter, but they are unusual enough that it's special when they happen.

Dave

[volosong]

Originally Posted by Cnynrat

...Sure, sunny days and blue skies happen in winter, but they are unusual enough that it's special when they happen.

Like today! It was a glorious day today. Warmed up to the high 30's/low 40's, which melted most of the snowfall from the past couple of days, (except for places that were in shade the whole day). No wind either. Days like today are why we live here. It doesn't get much better than this!