To get the most accurate recording of snowfall, it is important to measure the snow in an area that is not overly affected by external factors such as wind drifting or settling by the sun. The snow stake therefore must be in a flat spot that is out of the direct sun and protected from the wind to avoid drifting and scour.
Industry standards for ski area snow reporting require that official readings be made from no higher than the lower portion of the upper third of elevation of the resort. Our stake is situated well below this standard at 11,237 feet which is almost exactly at the middle elevation of our skiable terrain.
We work with the CoCoRaHS measurement system to ensure our snow stake is built properly and in the right place.