Meteorology 3000- Mountain Weather and Climate

Assignment 9. Due November 10.

This assignment is intended to take advantage of the snow falling outside to review the microphysical character of snowflakes and snowpack. Depending on the conditions, we may be collecting data on both Monday and Wednesday. If so, label the time/date/location that observations are collected.
Review the information on snowflakes available here from SnowFlakes.com.
Review the information on snow on the ground available here.
1. Review briefly the weather conditions present in the morning. What was the surface temperature? Pressure and height of the -10C isotherm (use the Salt Lake sounding)?
2. Measure the surface temperature of the snow (C) and any exposed surfaces (sidewalks, road, etc.) with the IR gun and air temperature with a Kestrel.
3. Using the jeweler's loop, examine snow flakes as they fall. Using the International simplified code on solid precipitation types, indicate the types of crystals (by name and number). That is, a medium-sized rimed crystal would be 2rc.
4. Using the jeweler's loop, examine snow on the ground. Use the International Classification of snow on the ground for the following.
a. Define the snow grain shape (F) present. For example, slush would be 6Fc.
b. Estimate the snow grain size (E) according to Table 3.
c. Estimate the liquid water content (%) using Table 4.
5. Measure the snow depth. If an inch or more of snow is present, collect a sample using a tube (be sure to measure the inside diameter of the tube in cm and inches). Determine the volume of the snow in the tube (in cm**3 and in**3) .
6. Melt the snow on the hot plate and record how many mililiters of water is present (1 ml=1 cm**3).
7. Determine the liquid water content of the snow in % as the ratio of the volume of water to volume of snow.
8. Determine the snow water equivalent (in mm and inches) as the height of the water in the area of the tube.
Due via email at beginning of class on November 10. Send to jhorel@met.utah.edu.