FAQ¶
Why does the map show snow where I know there is none (or the reverse)?
Usually one of three things: (1) the precipitation in the weather data is off in that area, which is the largest error source in mountains; (2) the map value is the average of a terrain unit, which may include higher or shadier ground than your spot; (3) the analysis lags today by a few days and is filled with the forecast. Compare with the MODIS layer under Satellite. See Known limitations.
Why does the snow depth keep growing on glaciers and high peaks?
Above the equilibrium line, snow that does not melt carries over into the next season. In regions where the model has no glacier ice, the pack can grow year after year. These units are excluded from anomalies and climatologies. See Known limitations.
Is the snowfall the amount of new snow I will measure?
It is a model estimate of fresh snow over a terrain unit. Fresh-snow density varies a lot, and wind redistributes snow. Treat it as an indication of the size of a storm, not a board measurement.
Why is the wind so low?
The wind is an hourly mean over an area of terrain, not a gust or a ridge-top reading, and is known to run 20–30 % below stations. Compare wind with its own anomaly, not with absolute thresholds.
When is the board updated?
Once a day. The Last run time in the header gives the build time in UTC. A banner warns when it is more than 36 hours old.
Can I download the data?
Not from the board itself. Contact Mountain Futures for data access. Some regions deliver daily grids to partners.
Why does a season start on 1 September and not 1 October?
In high mountains, snow can fall and stay in September. Starting the season on 1 October cut that snow off. Starting on 1 September lets the model build the early-season snowpack. See Climatology and anomalies.
Are the warnings official?
No. Unless the board says the thresholds are confirmed by an authority, they are provisional. Follow your national service.
How large is one map pixel?
The terrain grid is 30–500 m depending on the region, but each pixel takes the value of its terrain unit (about 10 000 units per region). The effective detail is a unit, not a pixel. See Terrain and spatial units.
Who can I contact?
Mountain Futures. Partners for each region are listed on the board's Info tab.