Why do accurate snow totals matter? Well, it’s important to understand expectations in order to create a comprehensive winter management plan. It’s also important to know why and when certain services were required for your commercial property.
“How much snow did you get?” Total snow accumulation too often turns to a “fish tale.” After a storm passes, everyone wants to know and share what they heard. Before long, that three inch snowfall has turned into another epic blizzard for the region.
This may be fine for neighborly bragging, but inflated numbers don’t help you manage your commercial properties. Inaccurate snowfall totals can also negatively affect your planning process.
First, you and your snow contractor must determine a third-party weather service to offer a Certified Snowfall Total (CST). This report provides you with the most up-to-date information to understand the services that you need throughout each event.
So what do you get from a CST?
Within 48 hours after an event you should receive information detailing snow and ice data specific to your zip code. This detailed information helps you understand how the storm occurred. It also helps you understand why your snow contractor serviced your property the way that they did.
This information may help you understand why it was necessary to salt in the middle of an event due to a sleet changeover. Or you may gain an understanding of when the trigger depth was reached to begin your service. The CST will offer answers to a variety of questions that may come up.
At Sauers, we use WeatherWorks, but there are several other reputable services like The Weather Pros or Certified Snow Totals.
Be Sure You’re Getting Accurate Snow Totals
It is up to you and your contractor to decide who provides CST services. Once you decide, you will both know that you are receiving accurate snow totals.