Validation of radar-estimated snowfall

Measured radar reflectivities combined with a validated reflectivity-to-snowrate parameterization are needed to take full advantage of the spatial and temporal resolution of measurements coming from the Weather Surveillance Radar (WSR) network. This work focuses on the establishment of a validated and site-specific Z-S relationship for winter upslope storms impacting the Laramie Mountain Range located west of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Direct measurements of surface snowfall will be made using the Hotplate Precipitation Sensor in locus with the lowest elevation scan of the Cheyenne WSR. By confining studies to only winter upslope storms and through the use of a precipitation sensor nearly colocated with the lowest elevation angle of the WSR, it is expected that this study will lead to improvement of the accuracy of the Z-S relationship and enhance the abilities of the WSR. Our project is scheduled for January and February 2005. Overflights by the Wyoming King Air aircraft are also anticipated.