How is an inch of rain measured? Same goes for snow. 5 inches of snow? What’s the width, or height, or shape of this inch?

Question

How is an inch of rain measured? Same goes for snow. 5 inches of snow? What’s the width, or height, or shape of this inch?

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

Snow varies in density, when it falls and later if allowed to compact. Are you interested in plowing the streets or shoveling your walk? Just clear a bit and measure the height. Are you interested in how much runoff there will be from the mountains next spring? Take a core sample, and weigh it. Basically, convert it the equivalent in rainfall.