Author Topic: Think I need a third outer cylinder  (Read 2459 times)

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Offline zackdog

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Think I need a third outer cylinder
« on: November 27, 2015, 08:37:14 AM »
Yesterday morning it was dumping snow at my normal reading time.  How can I get accurate readings with only two cylinders, when I want SWE from gauge and core sample from snowboard? Not a problem when it is not snowing at measurement time, but it is when it is snowing.  Any suggestions?

Mark
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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2015, 11:06:36 AM »
I use the second cylinder for replacement only when getting SWE. Core sample isn't necessary daily , they recommend Mondays or once a week.
Randy

Offline zackdog

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2015, 11:24:07 AM »
I am talking core sample from snowboard.  This morning there was a difference of .03" SWE between the capture and the core sample from snowboard.  I believe the snowboard was the more accurate, as most of the snow in the cylinder was on one side.  I did not have problem this morning, since it was not snowing so I could take both in and not have one on the post for a short time.  Hope this is clearer.

Thanks.

Mark
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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2015, 12:12:31 PM »
Interesting, I never thought of using the board as my primary sample. I did read that getting a core sample was a good backup if the gauge was over filled. We haven't had enough snow all at once to worry about it. I would swap gauges out before it happened anyway if I was home at the time.

Randy

Offline zackdog

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2015, 12:54:23 PM »
From CoCoRaHS snow training pdf.

Mark
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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2015, 01:08:58 PM »
I've never done it that way. You don't even need to keep a gauge outside just take core samples off the board.
Randy

Offline LFWX

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2015, 01:43:45 PM »
I've used 3 for many years. If it happens to rain, you'll still need to keep one outside all day. It is not unusual to have rain, snow and ice all on the same day here in Southwest Ohio!

Actually a total of 4 is not a bad idea if it happens to be snowing while taking a core for the "Total Snow and Ice on Ground" measurement (if you are looking for super accurate measurements or only want to make one trip outside)

1: Outside on the post, brought inside at observation. (contains the previous 24 hours of precipitation)
2: Inside, taken outside at observation. (collect the next 24 hours of precipitation)
3: Inside, taken outside for "New Snow" core sample (collect previous 24 hours of snow/ice SWE)
4: Inside, taken outside for "Total Snow and Ice on Ground" core sample (collect total snow/ice SWE)
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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2015, 02:42:20 PM »
Gauge and 24 hour core sample off a clean snowboard are one in the same as long as it wasn't mixed precip? I see no reason to double up unless just checking, which I've done a couple times.
Last snow all 3 gauges (8",4" and tipping all came in at .42 )... Amazing very pleased with the Rainwise with heater modification. Should for some reason the Cocorahs overflow I might get a core sample off the board.
Accuracy is what I strive for and core samples are the least.
Randy

Offline miraculon

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #8 on: November 27, 2015, 03:26:14 PM »
I have 3 outer cylinders.
When it's snowing, I grab a clean empty one and swap it for the one on the mount.
Then I won't lose anything while I am melting and weighing snow.
The third one is for the core.
Greg H.


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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #9 on: November 27, 2015, 03:31:00 PM »
I have 3 outer cylinders.
When it's snowing, I grab a clean empty one and swap it for the one on the mount.
Then I won't lose anything while I am melting and weighing snow.
The third one is for the core.
Greg H.

So what core are you talking about? The weekly depth core or are you doubling up with a snowboard core also? 
Randy

Offline miraculon

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2015, 06:03:15 PM »
I have 3 outer cylinders.
When it's snowing, I grab a clean empty one and swap it for the one on the mount.
Then I won't lose anything while I am melting and weighing snow.
The third one is for the core.
Greg H.

So what core are you talking about? The weekly depth core or are you doubling up with a snowboard core also?

The snow board daily core. I would probably use my old "weather channel" outer cylinder if the others are tied up. Maybe I need a fourth....

Greg H.


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Offline WXWIZARD

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #11 on: November 29, 2015, 01:10:07 PM »
COCORAHS I think goes overboard with wanting so many measurements.  Not even the NWS coop obervers need to do as many measurements.  Keep it simple,  if it's windy during snow event do core sample,  if it's calm during the snowfall use gauge catch.  Only 2 outer cyclinders are needed,  one in use and one backup.

Offline zackdog

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #12 on: November 29, 2015, 01:28:59 PM »
Had to use only catch this morning, as someone came along and helped me out by picking up the snowboard and leaning it against the post. ](*,) ](*,)

I actually caught them in the act on my trail cam when I downloaded it this morning.  Have no idea who they are.

Mark
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Offline ValentineWeather

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #13 on: November 29, 2015, 01:52:24 PM »
 =D> =D>
Randy

Offline gadget_guy

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Re: Think I need a third outer cylinder
« Reply #14 on: February 15, 2016, 10:27:30 PM »
Right now I am using three.  One as the gauge, one for the snowboard (new snow) and one for snow pack.  Makes it easier this way.  Measuring snow pack once a week does not work for me.  Snow pack rarely lasts more than four or five days
 

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