BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A historic snowstorm is expected along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, an area with little experience in measuring snowfall. Here’s how you can ensure your measurements are as accurate as possible.
MAKE A SNOWBOARD
No, we’re not talking about the kind you take to the slopes! Instead, a snowboard is a flat piece of wood that serves as the preferred tool for taking accurate snow measurements.
If you have scrap plywood lying around, now is the perfect time to turn it into a snowboard. Experts recommend dimensions ranging from 16 x 16 inches to 2 x 2 feet. I used a piece of scrap wood from my garage and cut it into a 16-inch square.
WHY PAINT IT WHITE?
Painting the board white is essential to minimize heat absorption and prevent melting, which could lead to inaccurate measurements.
WHERE TO PLACE IT?
Once your board is ready, find a flat, open area in your yard that is far from your house, trees, or other obstructions. The more open the space, the better your results will be.
MARK THE SPOT
Don’t forget to add a flag, post, or other marker to help locate your board after snowfall. It might sound unnecessary, but several inches of snow can make it surprisingly difficult to find a white board in a white landscape!
NO SNOWBOARD? NO PROBLEM!
If you don’t have the tools or time to make a snowboard, you can still measure snow accurately. Look for a flat, sturdy surface near your home, such as an outdoor table or a deck. Avoid sloped surfaces, grassy areas, or spots close to walls or heat sources.
Once you’ve found a suitable surface, take a ruler and insert it straight down into the snow at a 90-degree angle. Then, carefully read the depth to the nearest tenth or quarter of an inch.
By following these tips, you can contribute to accurate snowfall measurements during this rare Gulf Coast snowstorm.
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