Chart thicknesses

[romulus]

What is the highest thickness and lowest thickness it can fall as snow at? I'm trying to understand analysis charts. I have a better understand of the surface, but struggle when it comes to the upper levels.

The 1000-500 hpa thickness charts I understand as a useful tool for seeing where precipitation could fall as snow.

 

[wxmanjerry]

Dear Carlo

A lot depends on the elevation of your location and the airmass you are currently in. The chart is depicting the thickness of the layer between the 500 and 1000mb heights (1000 - 500 hpa).

For example the low countries such as the Benelux where elevation is generally at sea level or below, a thickness of 528dam or below usually indicates precip falling as snow. Other locations, the "snow line" could be 540dam.

Dam is decameters by the way.