Adirondack Type Snow Sampling SetIn hydrologic terms, a snow sampler consisting of a 5-foot fiberglass tube, 3 inches in diameter, with a serrated-edge steel cutter at one end and a twisting handle at the other. This sampler has a 60-inch snow depth capacity. Airborne Snow Survey ProgramIn hydrologic terms, Center (NOHRSC) program that makes airborne snow water equivalent and soil moisture measurements over large areas of the country that are subject to severe and chronic snowmelt flooding.Blowing SnowBlowing snow is wind-driven snow that reduces surface visibility. Blowing snow can be falling snow or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds. Blowing snow is usually accompanied by drifting snow.Blowing Snow AdvisoryIssued when wind driven snow reduces surface visibility, possibly, hampering traveling. Blowing snow may be falling snow, or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds.Corn Snow IceIn hydrologic terms, rotten granular ice. Density of SnowIn hydrologic terms, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the volume which a given quantity of snow would occupy if it were reduced to water, to
the volume of the snow. When a snow sampler is used, it is the ratio expressed as percentage of the scale reading on the sampler to
the length of the snow core or sample. Drifting SnowDrifting snow is an uneven distribution of snowfall/snow depth caused by strong surface winds. Drifting snow may occur during or after a snowfall. Drifting snow is usually associated with blowing snow.Federal Snow SamplerIn hydrologic terms, a snow sampler consisting of five or more sections of sampling tubes, one which has a steel cutter on the end. The combined
snowpack measuring depth is 150 inches. This instrument was formerly the Mount Rose Type Snow Sampling Set.Firn (Snow)In hydrologic terms, old snow on top of glaciers, granular and compact and not yet converted into ice. It is a transitional stage between snow and ice.
Also called Neve.Heavy SnowThis generally means...
- snowfall accumulating to 4" or more in depth in 12 hours or less; or
- snowfall accumulating to 6" or more in depth in 24 hours or less
In forecasts, snowfall amounts are expressed as a range of values, e.g., "8 to 12 inches." However, in heavy snow situations where there is considerable uncertainty concerning the range of values, more appropriate phrases are used, such as "...up to 12 inches..." or alternatively "...8 inches or more...".Heavy Snow WarningIssued by the National Weather Service when snowfall of 6 inches (15 cm) or more in 12 hours or 8 inches (20 cm) or more in 24
hours is imminent or occurring. These criteria are specific for the Midwest and may vary regionally.Lake Effect SnowSnow showers that are created when cold, dry air passes over a large warmer lake, such as one of the Great Lakes, and picks up moisture and heat.Lake Effect Snow AdvisoryThis product is issued by the National Weather Service when pure lake effect snow (this is where the snow is a direct result of lake effect snow and not
because of a low pressure system) may pose a hazard or it is life threatening. The criteria for this advisory varies from area to area.Lake Effect Snow SquallA local, intense, narrow band of moderate to heavy snow squall that can extend long distances inland. It may persist for many hours. It may also be accompanied by strong, gusty, surface winds and possibly lightning. Accumulations can be 6 inches or more in 12 hours.Lake Effect Snow WarningThis product is issued by the National Weather Service when pure lake effect snow (this is where the snow is a direct result of lake effect snow and not because of a synoptic storm or low pressure system) may pose a hazard or it is life threatening.Powder SnowDry, loose, unconsolidated snow.Quality of SnowThe amount of ice in a snow sample expressed as a percent of the weight of the sample.Radioisotope Snow GageA snow water equivalent gage based on the absorption of gamma radiation by snow; this gage can measure up to 55 inches water equivalent with a 2 to 5 percent error.SnowPrecipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of intricately branched, hexagonal form and often agglomerated into snowflakes, formed directly from the freezing [deposition] of the water vapor in the air.Snow Accumulation and Ablation ModelIn hydrologic terms, a model which simulates snow pack accumulation, heat exchange at the air-snow interface, areal extent of snow cover, heat
storage within the snow pack, liquid water retention, and transmission and heat exchange at the ground-snow interface.Snow AdvisoryThis product is issued by the National Weather Service when a low pressure system produces snow that may cause significant inconveniences, but do not meet warning criteria and if caution is not exercised could lead to life threatening situations. The advisory criteria varies from area to area. If the forecaster feels that it is warranted, he or she can issued it for amounts less than the minimum criteria. For example, it may be issued for the first snow of the season or when snow has not fallen in long while.Snow CoreA sample of either freshly fallen snow, or the combined old and new snow on the ground. This is obtained by pushing a cylinder
down through the snow layer and extracting it.Snow CorniceA mass of snow or ice projecting over a mountain ridge.Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS)A physically based, mass conserving snow water equivalent (SWE) model.Snow DensityThe mass of snow per unit volume which is equal to the water content of the snow divided by its depth.Snow DepthThe combined total depth of both the old and new snow on the ground.Snow FlurriesSnow flurries are an intermittent light snowfall of short duration (generally light snow showers) with no measurable accumulation (trace category).Snow GrainsPrecipitation consisting of white, opaque ice particles usually less than 1 mm in diameter.Snow PackSame as Snowcover; the combined layers of snow and ice on the ground at any one time.Snow PelletsPrecipitation, usually of brief duration, consisting of crisp, white, opaque ice particles, round or conical in shape and about 2 to 5 mm in diameter. Same as graupel or small hail.Snow Pillow1) A window of snow deposited in the immediate lee of a snow fence or ridge.
or
2) In hydrologic terms, an instrument used to measure snow water equivalents. Snow pillows typically have flat stainless steel surface areas. The pillow
below this flat surface is filled with antifreeze solution and the pressure in the pillow is related to the water-equivalent depth of the
snow on the platform. One great advantage of snow pillows over a snow survey is the frequency of observations, which can be as
high as twice per day.Snow ShowerA snow shower is a short duration of moderate snowfall. Some accumulation is possible.Snow SquallA snow squall is an intense, but limited duration, period of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds and possibly lightning (generally moderate to heavy snow showers). Snow accumulation may be significant.Snow StakeA 1-3/4 inch square, semi-permanent stake, marked in inch increments to measure snow depth.Snow StickA portable rod used to measure snow depth.Snow Water EquivalentThe water content obtained from melting accumulated snow.SnowboardA flat, solid, white material, such as painted plywood, approximately two feet square, which is laid on the ground, or snow surface by weather observers to obtain more accurate measurements of snowfall and water content.SnowcoverAlso known as Snow Pack; the combined layers of snow and ice on the ground at any one time.SnowflakeAn agglomeration of snow crystals falling as a unit.Snowmelt FloodingIn hydrologic terms, flooding caused primarily by the melting of snow.SnowpackThe total snow and ice on the ground, including both the new snow and the previous snow and ice which has not melted.Yellow SnowSnow given a golden or yellow appearance by the presence in it of pine, cypress pollen, or anthropogenic material or animal-produced material.
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