February 6-8th Great Lakes Wintry Storm Part 2

[michsnowfreak]

12.2" imby. Oh, and it's much worse than that at Pearson. I go into the climo logs this morning and I see what Pearson recorded yesterday. Just 8.8". So that 10" total did include Thursday's snow. But get this, the snow that fell yesterday was on 0.91" liquid. In a storm that was mostly dry powder with some bursts o 20:1 type fluff snow during the heavier parts, Pearson recorded a sub 10:1 ratio . No other pcpn type fell so I know that's their SLR. Freaking incredible. Haven't had to shoot off an email to them since Feb 11th of last year but I think it's time.

 

Other prelim reports from the City of Toronto proper:

 

downtown: 11.0"

EC HQ: 11.8"

East York: 13.4" 

Thats ridiculous...it was clearly, 100% NOT a 9-1 ratio snow LOL. Hell, even here the snow was powdery as I had 2.7" snow and 0.31", of which Id have to estimate 0.10" was freezing rain...and you clearly had better ratios. Did you do a liquid equiv or no rain gauge?

[snowstormcanuck]

Have been sitting here trying to rank this storm but it's tough to do. So many pros and cons in comparison with the 2 other foot plus storms I've experienced (excluding Jan 1999 which is in a league of its own). One nice thing about this storm was that most of the accums. came in one shot in a relatively short period of time. The other two 12"+ storms (Feb 6, 2008 and Jan 26-27, 2004) were part A/B systems and occurred over the course of 24 and 36 hours respectively. But they themselves had excellent qualities (CG lightning, 2"/hr rates, intense lake bands, enormous flake size). None of those were present with this storm. I think I'm going to go with a 3 way tie behind Jan 1999.

[michsnowfreak]

Lol!

 

2 of my neighbors know I measure snow and send in the reports. The mail lady saw me measuring the overall depth in the front yard yesterday and commented!

 

---

 

Nice snowfall map of Ontario, SSC. You should send that into EC and show them how ridiculous their "official" total at YYZ looks amongst the local area!

My neighbors on the one side knows I measure for the NWS too lol. I sometimes feel weird, especially since we have had so many small snowfalls the last few weeks I keep going back and forth back and forth, but they will usually ask "how much did we get?". Now, I always wonder what the other neighbors think, I must look crazy with a 40" snowsaber in my hand For snow depth readings sometimes I will sneak across the street when the one neighbor isnt home, just to get a decent average

[snowstormcanuck]

Thats ridiculous...it was clearly, 100% NOT a 9-1 ratio snow LOL. Hell, even here the snow was powdery as I had 2.7" snow and 0.31", of which Id have to estimate 0.10" was freezing rain...and you clearly had better ratios. Did you do a liquid equiv or no rain gauge?

 

I don't have a calibrated dipstick so what I do is take a core sample, allow it to melt in my gauge, and then multiply the liquid content by 1.65. It's obviously not as accurate as using a dipstick, but it gives me an indication of the SLR and is usually consistent with the quality of the snow.

[Geos]

Thanks so much everyone for sharing all the snow porn shots and all the great content in the storm threads.  So thrilled for the Toronto Gang and hopefully they along with who else hasn't had a good event this winter has one knocking on their door soon this month.

 

Few pics from around the yard from the cell phone on friday evening I'm embarrassed to put up after all the quality shot in this thread..

 

Almost forgot..  Congrats to Geos for keeping the faith and taking LOT to the woodshed!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice report and pictures BowMe. I like these two pictures the best! Chocolate labs are cool.

 

Looks like you captured a hint of the sunset in the top photo. Never did see any color in the sky yesterday or the day of the storm.

 

Lol, yeah I knew one of these storms had to work out. LOT was probably just going with the winter trend (can't really blame them), even though the models were pointing to at least 4" of snow in the area. I was really surprised that the RGEM was closest to the actual accumulations, haha.

[Torontonian]

Have been sitting here trying to rank this storm but it's tough to do. So many pros and cons in comparison with the 2 other foot plus storms I've experienced (excluding Jan 1999 which is in a league of its own). One nice thing about this storm was that most of the accums. came in one shot in a relatively short period of time. The other two 12"+ storms (Feb 6, 2008 and Jan 26-27, 2004) were part A/B systems and occurred over the course of 24 and 36 hours respectively. But they themselves had excellent qualities (CG lightning, 2"/hr rates, intense lake bands, enormous flake size). None of those were present with this storm. I think I'm going to go with a 3 way tie behind Jan 1999.

I would put  this in Top 10 but wasn't as significant in downtown T.O as northwest and northeast of here.

They say Aurora about 20 miles north received 40 cm.

 

Here is photo after Feb. 6, 2008.

 

Still have that van. lol

Snowpiles are less than half  that.

[snowstormcanuck]

I would put  this in Top 10 but wasn't as significant in downtown T.O as northwest and northeast of here.

They say Aurora about 20 miles north received 40 cm.

 

Here is photo after Feb. 6, 2008.

IMG_0001-7.jpg

 

Still have that van. lol

Snowpiles are less than half  that.

 

That may be another con with this storm. The other two I mentioned didn't melt away in 3 days and actually reenforced existing snowpack, which made them seem even more impressive. At the very least though, the Feb 8, 2013 storm acted as a nice break in our seemingly never ending suffering over the last winter and a half. I think we all appreciate it. Maybe that can't be said for some of the other big storms that occurred during "big" winters.

[weathernut]

Regarding the snow totals at YYZ, I read an article on TWN website about how they measure snow in a different way than anywhere else. I think YHM does the same, hence the stupid totals from there. Us Hamilton folks always poke fun at YHM totals the way you guys do with YYZ. Both airports need to get with it IMO.

EC was quoted in the Hamilton media today with official snow totals of over 35cm in West Hamilton and Mountain. They didn't even mention YHM, which leads me to believe they know it's way off. The West Mtn total of over 35cm is mere minutes from YHM.  

Cheers

 

PS - if you haven't yet, get out for a LONG walk today through your neighbourhood.  One of the most gorgeous winter days in years.

 

EDIT: one more thing, does anyone know where to look online for a log of biggest storms in history for Canadian cities??  I'm curious to know how often Hamilton has received more than 35cm in 12 hours.  Thx

[snowstormcanuck]

Regarding the snow totals at YYZ, I read an article on TWN website about how they measure snow in a different way than anywhere else. I think YHM does the same, hence the stupid totals from there. Us Hamilton folks always poke fun at YHM totals the way you guys do with YYZ. Both airports need to get with it IMO.

EC was quoted in the Hamilton media today with official snow totals of over 35cm in West Hamilton and Mountain. They didn't even mention YHM, which leads me to believe they know it's way off. The West Mtn total of over 35cm is mere minutes from YHM.  

Cheers

 

PS - if you haven't yet, get out for a LONG walk today through your neighbourhood.  One of the most gorgeous winter days in years.

 

EDIT: one more thing, does anyone know where to look online for a log of biggest storms in history for Canadian cities??  I'm curious to know how often Hamilton has received more than 35cm in 12 hours.  Thx

 

Have a link? I'd be quite interested in reading that.

 

I also noticed that Farnell on the telemovision yesterday said 30cm fell in Toronto, and in the Star this morning they reported 31cm. So the Pearson number has overall been ignored by the media.

[BuffaloWeather]

Storm Reports out of WNY for this storm. Received 6 inches at my location. Niagara county got hit hard by this along with lake enhancement. 18 inches was max here in WNY. 38 inches was Max in the entire Northeast in Connecticut.

 

NEW YORK...ALLEGANY COUNTY...   4 SW WEST ALMOND       4.9   900 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   ALMA                   4.0   700 AM  2/09  US COE   ALFRED                 2.8   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   RUSHFORD               2.2   630 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   WHITESVILLE            2.0   721 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   1 S WELLSVILLE         1.0   600 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER...CATTARAUGUS COUNTY...   PERRYSBURG             8.0   800 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   5 N ALLEGANY           4.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   WEST VALLEY            4.0   900 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   LITTLE VALLEY          4.0   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   CATTARAUGUS            4.0   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   FRANKLINVILLE          3.5   841 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER   1 NNE FRANKLINVILLE    3.5   830 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 ENE RANDOLPH         3.0   730 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 N LITTLE VALLEY      3.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 NE OLEAN             2.4   900 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   SALAMANCA              2.0   800 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   1 WSW OLEAN            1.0   730 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER...CAYUGA COUNTY...   8 SSE AUBURN           7.8   600 AM  2/09  COCORAHS...CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY...   SINCLAIRVILLE         13.0   913 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   2 SW FORESTVILLE       7.0   900 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   FINDLEY LAKE           6.2  1033 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   4 SSW RIPLEY           4.8   707 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   JAMESTOWN              3.8   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   SILVER CREEK           3.0   917 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA...ERIE COUNTY...   GRAND ISLAND          14.6   800 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   1 N GRAND ISLAND      14.2   100 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   TONAWANDA             12.0   914 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   3 NE TONAWANDA        10.5   830 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   SWORMVILLE            10.3   848 AM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE   1 NW KENMORE          10.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   ESE KENMORE            9.8   550 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   4 NW ALDEN             9.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   3 E WILLIAMSVILLE      8.9   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 NW WILLIAMSVILLE     8.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 S AKRON              8.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   BUFFALO                8.0   700 AM  2/09  NWS OFFICE   SPRINGVILLE            8.0   800 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   WEST FALLS             6.0   830 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   1 N ORCHARD PARK       6.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 ENE COLDEN           6.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 NE BOSTON            6.0   730 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 SSW BLASDELL         6.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   COLDEN                 5.5   730 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   3 WSW ELMA             5.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   ENE EAST AURORA        5.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 W WEST SENECA        4.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 SE GLENWOOD          4.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   WSW HAMBURG            4.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   HAMBURG                3.0   919 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   2 S WALES              3.0   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER...GENESEE COUNTY...   OAKFIELD              11.0   830 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   2 NE STAFFORD          8.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   PAVILION               6.5   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER...JEFFERSON COUNTY...   HENDERSON             15.0  1033 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   WEST CARTHAGE         13.0  1048 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   3 S THERESA            7.5   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS...LEWIS COUNTY...   1 NE LOWVILLE         12.1   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   1 NW CONSTABLEVILLE   12.0   600 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   SW BEAVER FALLS       11.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   HIGHMARKET             9.7   351 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   WATSON                 9.5   745 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   NORTH OSCEOLA          8.0  1125 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK...LIVINGSTON COUNTY...   4 WSW DANSVILLE        5.0   600 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 ENE DANSVILLE        4.2   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 W MOUNT MORRIS       4.0   810 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   AVON                   3.8   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   CONESUS                2.0   515 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER...MONROE COUNTY...   IRONDEQUOIT           16.0  1124 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   1 W GREECE            15.5  1125 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER   SPENCERPORT           15.0  1033 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   CHILI CENTER          14.0  1124 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   2 SW OGDEN CENTER     14.0  1032 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   5 WNW ROCHESTER       13.1   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   ROCHESTER INTL ARPT   12.4   700 AM  2/09  ASOS   6 ESE ROCHESTER       12.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   PENFIELD              12.0  1036 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   WEBSTER                7.7  1201 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   4 N HONEOYE FALLS      7.5  1031 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   1 NW NORTH CHILI       7.5   830 AM  2/09  COCORAHS...NIAGARA COUNTY...   GASPORT               18.0  1123 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   LOCKPORT              17.0   830 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   SANBORN               16.0   915 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   2 S LOCKPORT          16.0  1103 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER   RANSOMVILLE           16.0   911 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   1 NE LOCKPORT         15.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   YOUNGSTOWN            14.4   800 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   LEWISTON              14.0   912 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   PENDLETON             14.0   914 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   CAMBRIA               13.0   913 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   NIAGARA FALLS         13.0   917 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA   3 ENE LOCKPORT        12.1   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 NNE NORTH TONAWANDA 11.7   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 NE NORTH TONAWANDA  11.6   830 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   NIAGARA FALLS AIRPORT 10.8   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   NORTH TONAWANDA       10.8  1241 PM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   1 NE PENDLETON         9.6   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 NE PENDLETON         9.5  1031 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK...ONTARIO COUNTY...   GENEVA                 8.0   800 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   BRISTOL                5.5  1030 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK...ORLEANS COUNTY...   HOLLEY                14.0   825 AM  2/09  PUBLIC   LYNDONVILLE            9.5   900 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER...OSWEGO COUNTY...   W FULTON               9.5   720 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   REDFIELD               7.0   427 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   SE MINETTO             6.8   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   SOUTH HANNIBAL         6.8   830 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   4 SSE LACONA           6.3   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 SSE PALERMO          5.7   600 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   SANDY CREEK            5.2   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   4 SSW MEXICO           5.1   900 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 WNW OSWEGO           3.8   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS...WAYNE COUNTY...   NEWARK                13.5   841 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   MARION                13.0   900 AM  2/09  FACEBOOK   2 SW WALWORTH         12.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   2 NW PALMYRA          11.9   830 AM  2/09  COCORAHS   1 W WALWORTH          11.5  1035 AM  2/09  BROADCAST MEDIA...WYOMING COUNTY...   WARSAW                 9.0   809 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER   6 SW WARSAW            6.5   730 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   3 N SILVER SPRINGS     3.0   700 AM  2/09  CO-OP OBSERVER   PORTAGEVILLE           1.0   825 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER

[TugHillMatt]

Here are a couple pictures from after the storm around my home and at the amazing Lake Michigan just a couple minutes away.

 

 

[TugHillMatt]

A few more...

[TugHillMatt]

I'll post more on the "Pictures Thread"

[OntarioWX]

Ranking this storm is a little tough for me since I lived the first 18 years of my life in far southwestern ON and only moved to Hamilton last September. Up until this year, every snowstorm I've experienced has been down there. 

 

That being said, I still think this ranks in or close to my Top 5. Mostly because of how much snow fell, but also because it has saved an otherwise awful winter for me. My number 1 is December 2004, easily, for so many reasons. I've also got Jan. 2005, April 2005, March 2008 and GHD 2011 on there. I know Jan. 1999 was a big hit for my area as well but I don't think it really counts considering I was five years old at the time.

[on_wx]

Have a link? I'd be quite interested in reading that.

 

I also noticed that Farnell on the telemovision yesterday said 30cm fell in Toronto, and in the Star this morning they reported 31cm. So the Pearson number has overall been ignored by the media.

 

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

[Chicago Storm]

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

That might be one of the most idiotic things ever.

[dmc76]

Here you are, Mike.

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

I'm speechless.

[snowstormcanuck]

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

 

After years of wondering, the mystery has been solved. I can't believe EC would allow an inaccurate method of measuring snow to be used at one of its, apparently WMO certified, "official" reporting locations.

 

lol, 68.1% catch frequency. Close enough.

 

http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/JHM542.1

[Ottawa Blizzard]

After years of wondering, the mystery has been solved. I can't believe EC would allow an inaccurate method of measuring snow to be used at one of its, apparently WMO certified, "official" reporting locations.

 

lol, 68.1% catch frequency. Close enough.

 

http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/JHM542.1

This. I mean, now that they know there's a problem, why not fix it? Wouldn't that be common sense?

[Ottawa Blizzard]

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

Chris Scott did a presentation on this on The Weather Network this afternoon. I only caught the end of it though.

[snowstormcanuck]

This. I mean, now that they know there's a problem, why not fix it? Wouldn't that be common sense?

 

I'm sure they're aware of the deficiencies of the nipher gauge. It probably has something to do with cost efficiency and not having to pay an individual to go out an measure the snow with a ruler. I believe Pearson is AWOS.

[Stebo]

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

 

Honestly how can they use such a terrible inaccurate system for snow. I am shocked.

[Ottawa Blizzard]

All of this goes to show that Pearson doesn't "measure up" to our standards. Honestly EC should invest money in getting accurate measurements. Buttonville is the airport I rely on most. Downsview is good for central Toronto/North York.

[weathernut]

Here you are, Mike. 

 

"In Ontario, we often reference the totals at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which can be dramatically different from the snowfall seen in nearby cities.

 

That's because the airport uses a Nipher gauge -- a bell-shaped device that captures the falling snow. Often, the wind will blow a lot of snow out of the guage.

 

When the contents of the gauge are melted down and converted into a snowfall total, it's often less than what you are seeing at home."

 

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=How_are_snowfall_totals_measured__08_02_2013

Just getting back home and reading this now.  Thx for posting the link...that's the one.  Totally stupid IMO.  Canada's biggest airport measuring like that??  Crazy.

[OntarioWX]

All of this goes to show that Pearson doesn't "measure up" to our standards. Honestly EC should invest money in getting accurate measurements. Buttonville is the airport I rely on most. Downsview is good for central Toronto/North York.

To be fair, Environment Canada isn't really in a position to invest much money in anything right now. They've been enduring some big budget cuts and have lost a lot of staff in the past couple of years.

 

EC is a big organization that does a lot more than forecast weather - they're also responsible for Canada's environmental policies and renewable resource programs. It's hard to say if the budget cuts have anything to do with their poor quality control lately but I wouldn't be surprised.

 

As for Pearson, it's pretty easy to see why they'd go with an automated station, although you wouldn't think paying somebody to go outside and stick a ruler in the snow would cost all that much money, either.

[Stebo]

To be fair, Environment Canada isn't really in a position to invest much money in anything right now. They've been enduring some big budget cuts and have lost a lot of staff in the past couple of years.

 

EC is a big organization that does a lot more than forecast weather - they're also responsible for Canada's environmental policies and renewable resource programs. It's hard to say if the budget cuts have anything to do with their poor quality control lately but I wouldn't be surprised.

 

As for Pearson, it's pretty easy to see why they'd go with an automated station, although you wouldn't think paying somebody to go outside and stick a ruler in the snow would cost all that much money, either.

There are plenty of reasons why the largest airport in Canada shouldn't be auto. During mixed precip events or thunderstorm events would be two key reasons.

[Toronto4]

Just checked Environrment Canada's climate database and two stations in the City of Toronto recorded over a foot of snow. Downtown got 14.4" (36.5 cm) and East York recorded 12.9" (32.8 cm).

 

Here's a photo that I took yesterday. This is at Queens Park, very close to the downtown station at the University of Toronto.

 

[snowstormcanuck]

Just checked Environrment Canada's climate database and two stations in the City of Toronto recorded over a foot of snow. Downtown got 14.4" (36.5 cm) and East York recorded 12.9" (32.8 cm).

 

Here's a photo that I took yesterday. This is at Queens Park, very close to the downtown station at the University of Toronto.

 

IMG-20130209-00248 (600x800).jpg

 

Just saw that 14.4" for downtown. New they had over a foot but I didn't think it'd be that high. That surpasses the Feb 26-27, 1984 storm by 0.1". Tied for 22nd all time, but 4th since WWII only behind December 11-12, 1944 (22.5"), January 22-23, 1966 (16.6"), and January 2-3, 1999.  (15.1"). 

 

Once EC HQ numbers are finalized I think they'll also be over a foot. Only nipher Pearson will not be invited to the party. 

[Toronto4]

Just saw that 14.4" for downtown. New they had over a foot but I didn't think it'd be that high. That surpasses the Feb 26-27, 1984 storm by 0.1". Tied for 22nd all time, but 4th since WWII only behind December 11-12, 1944 (22.5"), January 22-23, 1966 (16.6"), and January 2-3, 1999.  (15.1"). 

 

Once EC HQ numbers are finalized I think they'll also be over a foot. Only nipher Pearson will not be invited to the party. 

 

Looking at some of the cleanup footage on the news, the foot plus totals are more accurate than Pearson's total. Some neighbourhoods in the city (midtown, Leslieville) have side streets with super high snow banks. Also, some cars are trapped because people are shovelling snow onto the side streets. Cleanup is expected to finish up by the end of the day today.

[Ottawa Blizzard]

Just checked Environrment Canada's climate database and two stations in the City of Toronto recorded over a foot of snow. Downtown got 14.4" (36.5 cm) and East York recorded 12.9" (32.8 cm).

 

Here's a photo that I took yesterday. This is at Queens Park, very close to the downtown station at the University of Toronto.

 

IMG-20130209-00248 (600x800).jpg

Where are the downtown readings taken? Is it still on Bloor Street by U of T? I know there's a plaque there saying that's where the Meteorological Service of Canada used to be located.