We saw in January how run-off from melting snow can cause flooding. National Weather Service forecasters have a way to figure out if flooding will be a concern as the snow melts. They must first determine what is called the snow water equivalent.
To do that, snow is measured and packed into a canister. The canister is placed under hot water to melt the snow inside. The melted snow is poured into a gauge and measured again.
The snow water equivalent outside the Blacksburg weather office Tuesday afternoon was 2.6 inches. That's from 14 inches of collected snow.
Steve Keighton, Science and Operations Officer for the National Weather Service, says the snow water equivalent is higher than normal but does not present an immediate flooding danger.
Rain makes snow melt faster, as do warmer temperatures. Storm Team 10 meteorologist Jeff Haniewich says there's no rain in the forecast until at least the weekend. A significant warm up is also not expected.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement