Test comparison of new low cost weighing precipitation gauge to NOAA CRN reference gauges with double alter shields

As part of a CU Climate Reference Network (CRN) program to evaluate new technology we setup and operated two new all weather precipitation gauges (AEPG 600) at the NCAR Marshall Test Facility in Boulder Co in late 2008. Each Precipitation Gauge was sited within a typical NOAA CRN dual alter shield and configured to match reference gauge height specifications and shield geometry in order to provide a comparative test bed.

One year of test data will be presented comparing measurements of these new three transducer weighing rain gauges against co-located heated NOAA reference gauges. Data during high wind events, snow, blowing snow and freezing precipitation will be graphically presented as both transducer raw signal and internally-processed cumulative precipitation measurements. Results from a wide dynamic range of weather conditions demonstrate how both raw transducer outputs and internally processed measurements of absolute precipitation levels compare to the reference gauge raw transducer outputs and NOAA externally processed measurements of absolute precipitation levels.