Rain to Snow Converter
Convert rainfall amounts into the snow depth they would produce at a given temperature.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
Snow to liquid ratio
About this calculator
Estimate snow depth from liquid-equivalent precipitation and a selected or temperature-based snow-to-liquid ratio. Snow type varies with the entire atmospheric profile and storm conditions; the temperature bands are rough guidance, not a forecast.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Liquid equivalent 1 in · Air temperature 28 °F · Temperature unit Fahrenheit · Override ratio (0 to use temperature) 0 Snow to liquid ratio 10 to 1 · Snow depth 10.0 in · Snow depth 25.4 cm · Snow depth 0.83 ft · Snow type Average snow
Method and assumptions
S = R×k; k: T≥34→6, 28≤T<34→10, 20≤T<28→15, 10≤T<20→20, T<10→25 The temperature bands select a simple snow-to-liquid ratio. Actual snowfall varies with storm structure and snow density, so use a local forecast for planning. Estimate snow depth from liquid-equivalent precipitation and a selected or temperature-based snow-to-liquid ratio. Snow type varies with the entire atmospheric profile and storm conditions; the temperature bands are rough guidance, not a forecast. The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
Data sources
The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
S = R×k; k: T≥34→6, 28≤T<34→10, 20≤T<28→15, 10≤T<20→20, T<10→25
- R
- Rainfall (in)
- T
- Temperature (°F)
- k
- Snow-to-rain ratio
- S
- Snowfall (in)
The temperature bands select a simple snow-to-liquid ratio. Actual snowfall varies with storm structure and snow density, so use a local forecast for planning.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the same inch of rain make ten inches of snow at 28 degrees?
The snow-to-liquid ratio is set by temperature bands, not a fixed ten-to-one rule. At 28F the tool selects the 10 to 1 average band, so 1 inch of rain becomes 10 inches of snow. Near 34F it drops to 6 to 1 because the snow is wet and heavy, while at 10F it rises to 20 to 1 for dry powder. The manual override lets you force any ratio.
Which inputs and limits apply to Rain to Snow Converter?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Liquid equivalent: 0–100 in; Air temperature: -60–50 °F; Override ratio (0 to use temperature): 0–60 S = R×k; k: T≥34→6, 28≤T<34→10, 20≤T<28→15, 10≤T<20→20, T<10→25 The temperature bands select a simple snow-to-liquid ratio. Actual snowfall varies with storm structure and snow density, so use a local forecast for planning. Estimate snow depth from liquid-equivalent precipitation and a selected or temperature-based snow-to-liquid ratio. Snow type varies with the entire atmospheric profile and storm conditions; the temperature bands are rough guidance, not a forecast. The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
What is a complete worked example for Liquid equivalent = 1 in; Air temperature = 28 °F?
Inputs: Liquid equivalent = 1 in; Air temperature = 28 °F; Temperature unit = Fahrenheit; Override ratio (0 to use temperature) = 0. Calculation: S = R×k; k: T≥34→6, 28≤T<34→10, 20≤T<28→15, 10≤T<20→20, T<10→25. Results: Snow to liquid ratio = 10 to 1; Snow depth = 10.0 in; Snow depth = 25.4 cm; Snow depth = 0.83 ft; Snow type = Average snow.