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Peter Thomas · March 2nd 06, 11:15 AM posted to uk.sci.weather

In message . com,
writes
snip
Cheers

It may not fit with the MO rules, but when I was being taught
professional weather observing I was told that it was almost impossible
to know what rate of snow accumulation was going on, especially for
special reports to ATC that were needed with a change of intensity. I
was told the best guide was reduction in visibility. Snow was slight
until the visibility was reduced below 1500m and heavy if visibilty
fell below 800m.

That may be very unscientific, but it was based on the experience of
the old SO observer, and woe-betide anyone who argued with him.

Seems to me to be scientific or at least objective in that is based on
an observable criterion. Connected with the variable being assessed
where that variable cannot be measured. Measurement by proxy?

Ask why information is needed. Immediate practical effects for
livestock, mobility and transport, etc. Also degree of after-effects -
albedo or thaw and perhaps flood. Good information from a proxy measure
of accumulation should be better than no information from uncollectable
dat.a

Oh, and many thanks to Philip Eden for initiating the group ten years
back and all those who still make it a source which I learn from.
--
Peter Thomas