Robert Dewey
EF5
Could it be the snowfall rates that were so impressive in 1997? I mean, 40 inches in 8 hours is a lot of snow... It seems the event we are seeing now is in the 18-24 inches every 12 hours.
I'm not sure what the prescribed measurement interval is, but the total snowfall can be a factor of the frequency of this interval, if settling is a factor.
Good point there, Greg!Note that the snow depth is nearly 50% of the total snow accumulation. Why? Is it because of melting? No. Because lake-effect snow has such a low liquid-water content, it can be easily compressed by its own weight. Lake effect show typically settles quite a bit as it is falling and after it falls.
The proper way to measure snow is at regular intervals, and ideally with a snowboard. You clean the snow board after each measurement and start with a "clean slate". I'm not sure what the prescribed measurement interval is, but the total snowfall can be a factor of the frequency of this interval, if settling is a factor.