How to use the snowmelt degree-day calculator
Estimate daily snowmelt from air temperature using the degree-day method. Enter degree-day melt factor, mean daily air temperature, base temperature in the fields above; the daily snowmelt, melt over 10 days are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “snowmelt rate”, “degree day snowmelt”, “how fast does snow melt”, “calculate snowmelt degree-day”, “find daily snowmelt”.
Formula
Variables
- ddf — Degree-day melt factor (mm/°C/day)
- T — Mean daily air temperature (°C)
- Tb — Base temperature (°C)
Worked example
With degree-day melt factor = 4 mm/°C/day, mean daily air temperature = 6 °C, base temperature = 0 °C, the calculator gives daily snowmelt ≈ 24 mm/day; melt over 10 days ≈ 240 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the snowmelt degree-day calculator used for?
Estimate daily snowmelt from air temperature using the degree-day method. It helps with questions such as “snowmelt rate”, “degree day snowmelt”, “how fast does snow melt”.
What is the formula for the snowmelt degree-day calculation?
Daily snowmelt (mm/day) = ddf × max(T-Tb,0). Melt over 10 days (mm) = [Daily snowmelt] × 10. Here ddf is degree-day melt factor (mm/°C/day), T is mean daily air temperature (°C), Tb is base temperature (°C).
What inputs do I need for the snowmelt degree-day calculator?
You need degree-day melt factor in mm/°C/day, mean daily air temperature in °C, base temperature in °C. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the snowmelt degree-day calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the snowmelt degree-day result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.