Help Report Blowing Snow and Low Visibility

Use the NEW Feature Photo tool in GLOBE Observer Clouds to help validate the Blowing Snow satellite data product!

Blowing Snow Call for Observations Extended Through March 31st!

Help scientists locate a phenomenon after a snow event. The best time to observe blowing snow is when the snow stops falling and strong winds arrive—typically in the afternoon. At this time, blowing snow can be lifted tens to hundreds of meters off the ground. If you experience such conditions, take photos of the sky and the horizon using the GLOBE Observer app’s Clouds tool. Horizon photos should be feature photos. In the caption or comments, state what cardinal direction the photo is facing and the approximate distance to something barely visible (e.g. Looking NW. Flagpole is approximately 50 meters). BONUS! Tell us about the winds by using the Land Beaufort Scale. For example, if large branches on trees are in motion and using an umbrella would be difficult, the winds are 22-27 knots (25-31 miles per hour). Be safe when observing, especially in strong winds. Learn more. 

How to Report Your Blowing Snow Observations

Blowing snow, defined as snow lifted by wind many meters above ground, is hazardous as it significantly reduces visibility, creating dangerous conditions for both ground and air transportation. It often happens on clear, windy days over a fresh, uncrusted snowpack. GLOBE collaborators at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) request feature photos of blowing snow to compare with satellite products that detect these events. These photos will help scientists improve those detection products, enhancing their ability to monitor and warn for this visibility-reducing hazard. Learn more about why these observations are important in the news article "Help Scientists Track Blowing Snow."

Visibility can change quickly. If any part of the sky is obscured, even in the distance, GLOBE Observers can use the GLOBE Observer Clouds tool to quickly take photos of the sky and the horizon by selecting "Obscured" when asked what the sky looks like. Repeat observations with known landmarks in the feature photos will be helpful.

Blowing snow from a distance

A landscape with blowing snow on the horizon and part of the sky clear.

Blowing snow with the sky is obscured

The same landscape 8 minutes later, with blowing snow having moved closer obscuring the view of the sky.
Photos from National Weather Service Grand Forks

Safety Tips:

High winds and low visibility associated with blowing snow can make for dangerous conditions. If it is unsafe to make an observation outside, you may take a feature photo from inside a vehicle or building. If you are on an upper floor of a building, please include which floor you are on in the photo comments.

Step 1. Download the GLOBE Observer app and create an account

Download the GLOBE Observer app from the Google Play store for Android or the Apple App Store for iPhone. Use an active email address to create an account in the app or via the GLOBE website, then tap "Clouds" and take the short in-app training.

Step 2. Start a new Clouds observation

Check that location settings are on. Open the GLOBE Observer app and select GLOBE Clouds, then select New Cloud Observation.

Step 3. Confirm date, time, and location

Turn on your location settings if you haven’t already. Your latitude, longitude, and time of day will be filled in automatically by the app! Check to ensure the location is correct. You can move the pin on the map to adjust the location if needed. Once the location is set, scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Next.

Step 4. What does your sky look like?

If blowing snow is obscuring your view in any direction, select Obscured, then select Blowing Snow. You can also select Heavy Snow in addition to Blowing Snow if current conditions warrant. 

 

Note: Select obscured even if the sky is clear above you but you see blowing snow in the distance.

Step 5: Choose your surface conditions

The app will prompt you to record the surface conditions. You are required to answer “Yes” or “No” for each category. 

For Snow/Ice, answer “Yes” if there is snow on the ground near where you are standing. Choose “Yes” or “No” for all other surface conditions. Mark "Yes" for Raining/Snowing if snow is falling from the sky.

 

 

Note: It does not need to be snowing for blowing snow to occur.

Step 6: Take Photos

Take photos in each cardinal direction, up, and down.

Step 7: Add a feature photo

Tap on Take Feature Photo. Point your camera at the horizon and take a photo of the blowing snow.

Step 8: Add Field Notes

Type "blowing snow" into the Field Notes box. 

To help scientists assess visibility, please include the name and estimated distance of any visible landmarks in the comments or in the captions if you take multiple feature photos. Landmarks might include a geographic feature or structure like a water tank or building. Be sure to include the units of measurement (kilometers/miles, meters/feet) in the distance estimate. 

Step 9. Submit your observation to GLOBE!

Tap Send all Cloud Data Now. Check the box next to your observation. Tap Send Observation to GLOBE and wait until you get a success message. You’re done! Thank you!
This project was developed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), the Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the GLOBE Implementation Office Science, Training, Education, and Public Engagement team (STEPE) at City University of New York.