Winter Criteria



Just like our summer program, the Committee worked with the Weather Forecast Office, WFO MKX, to establish a set of reportable criteria guidelines, so that field observers know what the meteorologists need to be reported. The following weather events are valid criteria that should be reported:
	Whiteout / Fog conditions. Whiteout occurs when falling snow is driven by the wind to obscure visibility after several yards. Whiteout conditions are very dangerous, as disorientation can quickly set in, and the wind will chill exposed flesh, causing frostbite. Significant fog should also be reported, as it can glaze objects with a coating of ice.
	Snowfall rate greater than 3" every 6 hours. The Weather Service considers 3" every 6 hours to be significant, and will consider issuing a Winter Weather Advisory or Winter Storm Warning, depending on the snow rate and wind conditions.
	Tree, Powerline, and Ice Damage. These kinds of environmental damage do not occur with typical winter weather. Trees that break in the wind or snow may still have leaves on them, adding to the weight on the branches, possibly causing the break. Powerlines are designed to accommodate winter weather... perhaps the unexpected ice buildup caused them to snap. Ice Damage is also interesting to the Weather Service, as this precipitation type hints what the atmosphere's dynamics and temperatures were as the ice crystals were forming.
	Wind Gusts Greater than 50 MPH. Typical winter events won't offer strong winds, but if they do, the WFO MKX would like to know. Winter storms often have prolonged winds, and since the CWA boarders Lake Michigan, mariners occasionally have to work with these intense winds. A sustained 50 MPH wind will trigger a Storm Warning on the lake, and create 15 foot waves.
	Poor Road Conditions. The WFO MKX is interested in hearing about poor road conditions during and after a winter weather event. The WFO MKX does not encourage people to drive out into the storm, however, to gather these observations. Please do not venture out into the storm for the sake of science... your personal safety is most important.
	*Unexpected Significant Events.* This last item is a "catch-all" for weird winter weather events. Items under this heading include when an observed weather event departs from the forecast. For instance, if the forecast calls for 2 - 4 inches of snow, and the observer's location receives 1/2" of sleet followed by 1 inch of snow, the WFO MKX would like to compare the observed data against the forecast model.