How Snow Counts as Precipitation in WaterWatch PRO
WHAT YOU SEE IN WATERWATCH PRO
We report the liquid-equivalent amount of snow.
This is the amount of water contained in the snowfall — the value stormwater rules require.
Example:
4" fluffy snow → ~0.20" water
4" wet/heavy snow → ~0.80" water
WaterWatch PRO always converts snowfall into the correct water amount.
HOW MRMS DETECTS AND CONVERTS SNOW
1. Detect Precipitation Type
MRMS identifies snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain based on vertical temperature profiles and radar signatures.
2. Estimate Snow Density
Temperature + humidity determine if snow is:
Powdery- (15:1 to 20)
Average - (10:1)
Wet/heavy - (5:1 to 8:1)
3. Convert Snowfall → Liquid Equivalent
This value is what appears in WaterWatch PRO