Great snowstorms happen infrequently but they create problems that frustrate even the most experienced observer. You may be deprived of the satisfaction of experiencing a blizzard or a historic snowstorm if your data appears erratic or imprecise.
Great snows are the greatest challenge to measure.
I found accurate measurements during this storm required methods to account for variance in temperature, wind speed, and snow compacting. If you have a 4.5 inches diameter Lake or Long-Term Gauge and sleet is expected, the outer cylinder should be used because the lip on the funnel of this gauge is not deep enough to prevent some sleet from bouncing out of the funnel. Snow depth is most accurately measured with a snow board. Measuring snow depth on this board rather than the ground eliminates measurement difficulties caused by ground warmth and ground cover height. Without a snow board, I have found the next best surface to measure snowfall is the flat top of an automobile if there is very little wind, the vehide has been idle long enough to reach ambient temperature, and is parked in an open area away from obstrucfions such as buildings and trees.