Share:
How It Works
This calculator covers four snow-science equations used in hydrology and meteorology: melt depth, heat capacity, heat content, and heat storage change. Enter snowpack properties like density, depth, and temperature to model how much water a snowpack will release or how much energy it can absorb before melting.
Example Problem
A 50 cm snowpack has a density of 0.3 g/cm³. How much water will it produce when it melts?
- Melt density of water: 1.0 g/cm³
- Melt depth = (0.3 × 50) / 1.0 = 15 cm of water
So 50 cm of this snow equals about 15 cm (6 inches) of liquid water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical snow density?
Fresh powder has a density of about 0.05–0.10 g/cm³. Settled snow is around 0.2–0.4 g/cm³, and compacted or wind-blown snow can reach 0.5 g/cm³ or higher. Pure water is 1.0 g/cm³.
How many inches of snow equal one inch of rain?
The classic rule of thumb is 10:1 (10 inches of snow per 1 inch of rain), but it varies widely. Light, fluffy snow can be 20:1 or more, while heavy wet snow may be only 5:1.
What is snow water equivalent?
Snow water equivalent (SWE) is the depth of water that would result if the snowpack melted instantly. It equals snowpack depth times snow density divided by water density, which is exactly the melt depth equation in this calculator.
Related Calculators
- Relative Humidity Calculator — compute humidity from vapor pressure or dewpoint.
- Cloud Base Calculator — estimate cloud ceiling altitude.
- Wind Chill Calculator — calculate how cold it feels during snow events.
- Rainwater Collection Calculator — estimate water equivalent from snowmelt runoff.
- Volume Unit Converter — convert snowmelt volume between gallons, liters, and cubic feet.
Reference: Wanielista, Kersten & Eaglin. 1997. Hydrology Water Quantity and Quality Control. 2nd ed.