Rain to Snow Calculator

What Is the Rain to Snow Ratio?

The rain-to-snow ratio tells you how much snow depth you can expect from a given amount of liquid precipitation. Colder air produces fluffier snow with a higher ratio; near-freezing temperatures produce wet, dense snow with a lower ratio.

Rain to Snow Formula

$$\text{Snow depth} = \text{Rain depth} \times SC$$

$SC$ is the snow coefficient, which depends on air temperature. At around 30°F (−1°C), one inch of rain typically becomes about 10 inches of snow. At 3°F (−16°C), the same inch of rain can produce 40 inches of powdery snow.

Temperature and Snow Coefficients

Weather services often quote a 10:1 ratio as a rule of thumb, but the real value ranges from about 3:1 for wet snow to 50:1 for dry powder. This calculator uses standard temperature bands from meteorological references.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many inches of snow equal one inch of rain?

On average, about 10 inches of snow per inch of rain at temperatures near freezing. The ratio varies from roughly 3:1 to 50:1 depending on temperature and snow density.

At what temperature does rain turn to snow?

Precipitation falls as snow when atmospheric temperature is at or below freezing (32°F / 0°C). Near the ground, slightly warmer air can melt snowflakes into rain.

Why does colder air produce more snow depth?

Cold air holds less moisture and produces lighter, fluffier snow crystals with more air between flakes. The same water content occupies greater depth.

Can I convert snow back to rain?

Yes. Divide snow depth by the snow coefficient for your temperature. Four inches of snow at a 10:1 ratio equals 0.4 inches of liquid water.

Does wind chill affect the ratio?

Wind chill affects how cold it feels but not the snow coefficient directly. Extreme wind can compact snow after it falls, reducing measured depth.

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What Is the Rain to Snow Ratio?

Rain to Snow Formula

Temperature and Snow Coefficients

Frequently Asked Questions

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