The use of WSR-88D precipitation estimates for near real-time quality assurance of surface network rainfall observations

The accuracy of all types of rainfall observations is of importance to hydrologic forecasters, climate analysts, and the general public. The precipitation estimate products that are computed from WSR-88D data can be used in near real-time for the quality assurance (QA) of gauge data. Using the network of rain gauges from the Oklahoma Mesonet and radar data from Twin Lakes, Oklahoma, this project investigated the adaptation of a technique currently being manually applied to quality assure Mesonet rainfall observations. The methods developed for data quality control (including the incorporation of varying precipitation type) will be described. An analysis of the uncertainties in the tipping bucket and radar data will be discussed, in addition, the chosen rainfall events within the study area, the gauge and radar calibration information, and the site metadata, will be discussed. Selected rainfall events will be examined to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall estimates and measurements from the WSR-88D and the Oklahoma Mesonet, and, preliminary results of the new, automated QA procedures will be presented.