Despite local measurements that put Coeur d’Alene’s Saturday snowfall over 3 inches, a third-party weather center is denying the threshold that would give Clark’s Diamond Jewelers customers around $500,000 in refunds.

Clark’s promotion promised to refund customers who made their purchases between Nov. 22 and Dec. 31, but only if three or more inches of snow fell on Jan. 11. The gamble was part of a promotion to celebrate Clark’s anniversary. Coeur d’Alene Press climatologist Cliff Harris measured 3.6 inches Saturday, from concrete to sky. Clark’s management believed they would automatically prepare a refund as soon as the weather results became official.

Clark’s insurer had other news.

“To our dismay, our insurance company has informed us that their third-party verifier, Illinois-based ‘Weather Command,’ has confirmed that it may take more than two business days for their official weather report to come in,” owner Jane Clark said in a statement. “Unfortunately, their initial report is showing less than 3 [inches] of snow.”

Clark insisted she wouldn’t keep her customers out in the cold without an appeal.

“... However,” she added, “because the amount of snowfall was so close to call, we immediately contested the report and asked for re-verification. We’re going to put up a strong fight! This is not the results we were hoping for, as our local climatologist reports showed over 3 inches at the official measurement location and what we all witnessed early Saturday morning.”

Saturday’s surge was part of a three-day snowstorm that wreaked havoc across the area and saw mass accumulation build up to 30 inches in some parts of North Idaho.

“As such, the insurance company will now survey a variety of data sources to glean the most accurate snowfall measurements possible for re-verification,” Clark said. “We’re extremely appreciative of everyone’s enthusiasm and excitement over our recent promotion, and we’re doing everything in our power to stand up for our loyal customers and fight this ruling on their behalf. We’re patiently awaiting the re-verification results right along with you and will let everyone know as soon as possible once we have the official results.”