deathstar9

50 minutes ago, donsutherland1 said:

Part of the difference is almost certainly a reflection of differing measurement methodologies. However, the frequency of major snowstorms has increased relative to where it was during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s when measuring methodologies were essentially the same as they are today. After 1970, New York City has also experienced the emergence of a wetter climate. The same holds true for many of the climate sites in the Northeast.

Got it, guess that makes sense if measurment techniques were the same as today going back to the 50's/60's/70's.

39 minutes ago, hooralph said:

Layman’s take on the changing climate: it would make sense that we are trending towards more extremes... that more of our snow is coming from larger events. It’s harder to sustain cold that allows small systems to stack up snow... but when we thread the needle, with much more ocean moisture to work with... watch out. 
 
I predict we see a 30” + snow in NYC proper in the next 5-10 years

19 minutes ago, donsutherland1 said:

Great point. Warmer air holds more moisture. The increased tendency for marine heatwaves being driven by climate change creates an increased probability of major snowstorms when synoptic conditions are favorable for storms. These storms can produce far more snowfall than had been the case without the warming/marine heatwaves even if all other variables are held constant. 

Not downplaying any of your points about climate change but wondering if the difference had more to do with measurement technique than what was actually falling from the sky?  NYC back in the late 1800's to 1930's would have been about as cold as the parts of the mid hudson valley today.  These areas are averaging over 40" per year currently and they are further from the coast so maybe are a bit drier, while NYC back then was still around/below 30" per year if Im not mistaken?

Were the people doing the measurments back then including every storm no matter how minor?  Were they measuring every 6 hrs during large storms or just plopping in a yard stick at some point after the storm was over with compaction already having taken a serious bite out of the totals?

Seems data integrity could at least be part of the story.