Heavy, wet snows have a snow-to-water equivalent of which of the following values?

Heavy, wet snows typically have a snow-to-water equivalent ratio of approximately 10:1. This means that for every 10 inches of heavy, wet snow, there is about 1 inch of water equivalent. This dense and wet nature of such snow results from higher moisture content, which significantly increases the weight of the snow, leading to this lower ratio compared to lighter, drier snows that may have ratios ranging from 15:1 to 30:1.

While other ratios like 25:1 or 30:1 might apply to lighter, fluffier snow with lower moisture content, they do not accurately reflect the characteristics of heavy, wet snow. Understanding this ratio is important for arborists, particularly when assessing the potential for snow load on trees and power lines, as heavy, wet snow can cause Branch breakage and other issues related to tree health and stability.