Precise Scientific Measurement

In college, I took an entire course on meteorological measurements.  It covered units, precision and the devices used to take measurements of various atmospheric phenomena.

In the class, as a way of explaining how important precision is during every step of the measurement process, the professor told us the story/joke about the scientist who was building a dog house.  He took his measurements with a micrometer to be completely precise, but when he went to mark the wood for cutting, he couldn't find a pencil, so he marked the spot with a thick piece of chalk.

Then he couldn't find his laser-sighted circular saw, so he used an old rusty handsaw to finish the job and was amazed to find that none of his boards were the same size.

Of course, the lesson here is:  it makes no difference if you start with perfect precision if along the way, you use imprecise devices.

Ever notice that the official snowfall amounts at National Airport are always lower, and sometimes significantly lower than surrounding areas?  National maintains the official total snow amounts for Washington, DC - which is funny, because National Airport is in Arlington...Virginia.

Anyway, I think their measuring device must be near a 757's exhaust or maybe near the hotplate where they cook their afternoon Cup o' Noodles, because you watch:  it will be at least 6 inches fewer than anything reported in Arlington or DC.

Fortunately, here at Potential Vorticity, I have crack statisticians keeping track of snow totals around the area.  In Woodbridge, my parents have cleverly constructed a measuring device that I already guarantee is more accurate than whatever-the-hell they use at National Airport.

It's a highly-precise (if a little off vertical), scientific-orange, snow measurement stick with markers at 12 inches, 20 inches and then every 2 inches up to 32:

I especially like that it's not certified by NOAA.  This almost guarantees its accuracy.

Like any good scientific institution, the Woodbridge reporting station also has a backup device.  Generously donated by the Texas Reamer Company (For All Your Downhole Drilling Tool Needs - and you know you have some), its accuracy is undisputed, its durability unquestioned and it's already about two inches in the snow, so we'll have to do some subtraction.

What will you be using to measure?  Send me an e-mail and let me know (preferably with a photo).

Moderate snow here in Arlington at this hour.  Much of it melting on the roadways and sidewalks as we're still at 34 degrees.  This will change...