During our recent storm, that was predicted to be in the 5-8 inch range, I recorded and reported 4.8" to CoCoRaHS. The nearby NWS Coop observer reported 2.7". There were 30mph+ winds so there was significant drifting. I had areas clear to the walkway, yet there were drifts of 16". There were some areas, that appeared to be relatively even, averaging around 6". I decided to go with the snowboard amount. I even had to average that.
On the local TV news and newspaper, they reported 12" for our County. They were vague on exactly where this "foot of snow" was measured, but the TV reporter was in our downtown, just blocks away from me. The implication was that the 12" was in Rogers City.
NWS Coop: RGCM4: Rogers City :DH0800/ 34 / 24 / 0.35 / 2.7 /17.0
My CoCoRaHS report: MIPI01 : ROGERS CITY 0.2 WSW * : 0.43 / 4.8 / 14.0 / MM
Another Spotter report: Rogers City 1NW 3.5 24 HRS
"1-foot" Spotter: Presque Isle 12 24 HRS
The next city down the road, Alpena reported 9 inches and 5.4" from Spotters/CCR. Alpena County is immediately South of our county.
The media tends to gravitate towards the biggest number they learn about. I don't know if this "Spotter" is trained in snow measurements, and took an average, or stuck a ruler into a drift and called it good.
Anyone else notice questionable snow reports? I know that the TV weather seems to get into a bidding war on who can forecast the most snow, but I would hope that the measurements would be reasonable.
Greg H.
