Reading a SNOWTAM
 

Does anyone have a SNOWTAM decoder?

I was asked a question about a SNOWTAM in Svalbard, Norway and I didn't have the answer.

From what I remember the "F" category read "F) 7/7/7"
I thought braking action went from 1 to 5.

The Snowtam said taxiways were iced over.

Thanks.

They wanted to know what the braking action would be based on the SNOWTAM.

Following is an extract from ICAO Annex 15 which sets out the coding used in a SNOWTAM in Section F. This describes the type of deposits. Section H describes braking action. If you would like to PM me I will send you a copy of the SNOWTAM format.

(DEPOSITS OVER TOTAL RUNWAY LENGTH (Observed on each third of the runway, starting from threshold having the lower runway designation number)
NIL — CLEAR AND DRY
1 — DAMP
2 — WET
3 — RIME OR FROST COVERED (depth normally less than 1 mm)
4 — DRY SNOW
5 — WET SNOW
6 — SLUSH
7 — ICE
8 — COMPACTED OR ROLLED SNOW
9 — FROZEN RUTS OR RIDGES