The Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information Project (AQPI)

The Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information Project (AQPI) is centered on the provision of supplemental radar observations across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, particularly the installation of 5 (and possibly 6) X-band radars and 1 C-band radar across the region by Jan 2024. These AQPI radars improve regional forecasts by filling terrain-related gaps in existing NEXRAD radar coverage, by shortening the distance between most locations and the nearest radar, and by providing higher-resolution data than is currently available. Examples highlighting these improvements will be shown. These more accurate observations are used directly by local stakeholders to optimize any number of operations such as wastewater management, urban and small watershed-scale flooding response, staffing levels, and more. The AQPI radar data can also be used indirectly through assimilation into weather forecast models and as a forcing variable for hydrology models – both of which are things that will be explored over the coming year.

Of course, the primary benefits of these products are accrued within the first ~6 hours of the forecast, but CW3E plans to address the longer-range forecast concerns of AQPI stakeholders through the inclusion of other forecast products within the AQPI portfolio. The long-term (2024-beyond) vision for AQPI is a consolidated online dashboard that integrates new AQPI data streams and other existing forecast products into a state-of-the-art decision support platform for stakeholders.

AQPI is supported by the California Department of Water Resources, the Local Partner Agency Committee, NOAA, CSU/CIRA, CW3E, and other entities.