As a mom who loves getting outside and exploring nature with my kids, I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of snow. As the famous naturalist John Muir once said, “When it comes to life, the wisest thing to do is enjoy the journey.” Snow is no exception. It’s a magical, ever-changing wonder that brings excitement to our lives, especially when it comes to understanding the science behind it. In this article, I’ll share some interesting facts about snowfall predictions, the variability of snowfall’s water density, and a simple DIY experiment you can do with your kids to measure the snow water content in your own backyard.
Predicting the weather is no easy feat, especially when it comes to snowfall. Accurate predictions are crucial for various aspects of our daily lives, such as transportation, agriculture, and public safety. And yet, we all have had that experience of looking at our weather apps and thinking “NO WAY!” because we’ve seen it be wrong more than once before, right?
Weather predictions are a science that takes into account various factors like temperature fluctuations, elevation, and terrain. Predicting snowfall amounts adds even more challenge, as it often differs from precipitation predictions. With advancements in technology, meteorologists use tools like weather models and Doppler radar to make more accurate predictions. However, discrepancies between predicted and actual snowfall still occur, as Mother Nature always keeps us guessing.
An interesting fact about snow is that its water density varies with each storm, time of the year, and also by region. Factors such as snow density, temperature, and crystal structure influence snow water content. This variability is important in hydrology and water resource management, as it affects water supply and flood risk assessments.
One concept that’s particularly interesting is the snow water equivalent (SWE), which helps us understand the relationship between precipitation predictions and actual snowfall. Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) is a measure used to describe the amount of water contained within a given volume of snow. It is typically expressed in terms of depth (in inches or millimeters) and represents the depth of water that is contained in the snowpack. SWE is a crucial parameter for understanding the relationship between snowfall and water resources.
SWE helps hydrologists, meteorologists, and water resource managers estimate the water supply that will be available when the snow melts, which is important for agriculture, flood control, and water supply management. Additionally, SWE data is used to assess snowpack conditions, avalanche risks, and the potential for spring flooding. Accurate SWE measurements are also vital for predicting the impact of climate change on water resources.
There are various methods for measuring SWE, including manual snow surveys using snow tubes or snow corers, remote sensing techniques such as satellite imagery or airborne measurements, and ground-based sensors like snow pillows or automated weather stations.
In the context of our article and the DIY experiment, you will compare the initial snow volume to the final water volume after melting the snow sample, and you effectively will be determining the snow water content, which is directly related to SWE. By understanding SWE, you can gain insight into the relationship between precipitation predictions and the actual water content of snowfall in your area.
Experiment to Measure Snow Water Content
Now, let’s dive into a fun, easy experiment you can do on your own or with kids to measure the snow water content in your own backyard. If you are doing this for school, homeschool, or you like to have a record, bring a journal to record information like where, when, and why along with your data. I’ve created a journal to help you on your outdoor science journey, which you can find here, at this link.
Materials and Equipment:
- A clear, plastic container, preferably with measurements (e.g., a measuring cup)
- Gloves
Instructions:
- Choose a spot in your yard where the snow is undisturbed and has a uniform depth.
- Put on your gloves and carefully collect a sample of snow, trying not to compact the snow into the container.
- Place the snow sample in the container and note the volume it occupies.
- Cover the container to discourage evaporation loss.
- Allow the snow to melt completely, either by leaving it indoors, on a windowsill, or using a hairdryer (with adult supervision).
- Once melted, measure the volume of water in the container.
- Compare the initial snow volume to the final water volume to determine the snow water content.
Safety Precautions and Best Practices:
- Always wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold and to prevent your body heat from affecting the snow sample.
- Supervise children if using a hairdryer to melt the snow.
Additional idea, for more invested studies: Conduct this collection process at different times of day, during different storms, or on a schedule through the winter.
Connecting Snow with Science, and Family
Understanding the variability of snowfall’s water density is not only fascinating but also easy and fun. By engaging in simple, hands-on experiments to observer a relatable phenomenon like this one, we can encourage our children’s curiosity and foster a love for science. So, bundle up, head outside, and embark on a chilly adventure with your kids to crack the cold conundrum of snow!