Record Snow Observations with AMC Community Science
Help AMC expand the Community Snow Observations (CSO) network in the Eastern US. This community science effort engages winter recreationists in making snow measurements around the world and helps crowdsource mountain snow depth in the Appalachian Mountains filling in gaps where traditional measurements are scarce. Your measurements will help scientists improve snow cover estimates for avalanche safety, flood predictions, agriculture, and ecosystem science.
Measuring snow depth takes only a few minutes, plus a ruler or avalanche probe and a smartphone app. By helping us gather data to better understand snow cover and depth in the Appalachian Mountains, you can learn more about the snowpack and its variability in the areas you frequent.
AMC’s climate research has shown Pinkham Notch, NH, is losing 8.1 inches of snow per decade and the length of winter is shortening across the Northeast. While Pinkham has been recording snow depth since the 1930s, snow depth measurements in locations across the White Mountains are generally limited. Expanding these measurements in mountain landscapes will improve our understanding of snow distribution and retention across eastern mountain landscapes.
More information at communitysnowobs.org and in our annual summit workshop.
To get started:
- Download the Snow Scope app. Explore and familiarize yourself with the app. Using this app will geolocate your observation, even without cell service.
- Turn on location in your mobile device while using the app if you have previously turned it off. This ensures that your observations are dated, geo-tagged, and measurement locations are accurate.
- Make and upload the observation. Be sure to review the selecting a site and making an observation videos first. *Note: CSO is retiring the ‘Mountain Hub’ app and is now utilizing the ‘Snow Scope’ app for all 2023 observations.
Once your Snow Scope app is downloaded and account is set up, follow the directions below to add an observation!
To add an observation:
- Select the orange plus button located at the bottom of your screen
- Select “Snowpack Height”
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- Take three snow depth measurements in your immediate vicinity with your measuring device. Be sure to measure an undisturbed area.
- Average your three measurements and record the average (units = centimeters) in the app as snowpack height.
- Select ‘Save’
If you would like to stay connected with the CSO community, follow the CSO Instagram or Twitter or join their mailing list!
Don’t forget to bundle up and follow leave no trace principles on your winter adventure!
Learn More:
New England Winter is Getting Shorter and Less Snowy. Here’s Why
Avalanche Safety: Understanding the Risks Before You Hit the Slopes this Winter