An evaluation of missing point precipitation estimation techniques

Accurate precipitation measurements are the single most important input to hydrologic models and forecasting procedures used by the hydrologic section of the National Weather Service. Without an accurate quantitative measurement of precipitation, producing a reliable river forecast becomes very difficult. Current point estimation methods exclusively rely on surrounding precipitation gage data to calculate a missing point estimate. Improved quantitative precipitation estimations derived from gage groupings, or the inclusion of WSR-88D data, enable the hydrologist to better assess the current hydrometeorologic conditions. This paper discusses various individual and combined radar and precipitation gage point estimation techniques used in Eastern Kansas and Northwest Missouri during the 1999 calendar year, and compares the results to actual precipitation gage observations.