Finding out where the storm actually delivered

The problem

A single “X cm of new snow” number for a resort hides a lot. Snowfall totals depend on elevation and the freezing level at the time — the same storm can drop dry powder above a certain height and rain below it.

Why it happens

Snowfall (48h) draws recent snowfall from the weather model, shaded only above the snow line — which is itself derived from the freezing level — in bands of 1–3, 3–10, 10–25, and 25+ cm.

How to check it in First Chair

1. Turn on Snowfall (48h)

   Check it before you decide where to go — it shades recent snowfall only above the snow line, so totals that actually fell as rain lower down don't mislead you.

2. Compare bands across the resort

   1–3cm and 25cm+ are very different ski days, and the difference is often about which elevation you check.

3. Look higher before writing off a marginal base

   If the base looks disappointing, check whether the layer shows meaningfully more snow above a certain height.

4. Use it the night before or the morning of

   It's a planning check, not something you need mid-run.