The snow cutter is very sharp and potentially dangerous, if not handled properly. Observers issued a snow cutter should be admonished to take extreme care during use. They should also be advised to store the cutter away from children. Specific procedures for measuring solid precipitation using the SRG are outlined below . The primary problem associated with the overflow can is leaks.
Some leaks are apparent upon visual inspection.
Smaller leaks may require the visiting NWS representative to add water to the can. If leaks are detected, they must be repaired or the overflow can replaced. Older units are made of copper while newer funnels are made of fiberglass. Rainfall is caught in the collector funnel and conducted into the measuring tube. The funnel is 8 inches in diameter with a knife edged rim.