How do weather guys define "trace"?

[rjgoniea]

I was just curious how a trace of snow was defined? Where I am in mid Michigan, snow was not in the forecast today, but some did fall. It wasn't really sticking around except for a few areas of bare soil. And I don't think it lasted all that long there either.

Thanks

 

[jd]

I'm not sure if there is a strict definition to the term trace of snow, but in general, it is an amount of snow that can be seen to have accumulated, but is too small to measure. Typically, if I get less than 1/2" I call it a trace, but I have seen reports of snow that are less than 1/2", but more than a trace.

-John