Current Advancements and Future Direction of Gauge Ingest and Quality Control in the MRMS System

Gauge observations provide critical surface point observations that can be used to validate and adjust remote observing platforms, such as radar-derived precipitation estimates. The Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system employs an advanced and complex scheme to quality control the hourly gauge accumulations it ingests. The current evolution of gauge functionality in MRMS sees a change in the gauge networks being ingested as well as modifications to the quality control algorithm. The initial operating capabilities of MRMS utilized the HADS feed available at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Central Operations (NCO). With the MADIS data feed also being available at NCO, MRMS will combine the two feeds to ingest approximately 16,000 non-missing gauge observations per hour prior to quality control. This is more than double the number of non-missing hourly gauge observations previously used, which will improve the quality of all gauge-based precipitation products. Recent advancements in gauge quality control include amendments in the equations governing the detection of outlier non-zero gauge observations and the use of satellite masks to provide the detection of likely false zero or false precipitation observations that are out of range of radar detection. The future direction of gauges in MRMS will involve 1) the ingest of new networks for all domains and 2) feasibility studies on the use of a real-time wind correction as well as co-located observations (e.g., snow pillows) for improved quality control in winter precipitation environments.