The Areal Mean Basin Estimated Rainfall (AMBER) algorithm was developed at the Pittsburgh National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office over the past 10 years. The AMBER algorithm ingests digital precipitation accumulation data from the WSR-88D precipitation algorithm and averages the accumulated rainfall over several different size pre-determined basins. The objective of the algorithm is to provide NWS forecasters with guidance on the amount of rainfall that accumulates in various basins and compare that accumulation with the Flash-Flood Guidance (FFG) from the NWS' River Forecast Centers. The AMBER output enhances the decision making process for Flash-Flood Warnings.
The AMBER algorithm was implemented as part of the System for Convection Analysis and Nowcasting (SCAN) and Warning Decision Support System (WDSS) and testing in real-time NWS warning operations during the summer of 1998 at the Sterling, VA Forecast Office. The algorithm ran in real-time ingesting the Digital Hybrid-Scan Rainfall product from the WSR-88D precipitation algorithm (produced each volume scan). The AMBER output was sent to a prototype display developed for the test and displayed in tabular, geographic and time series formats.
This paper discusses the implementation of the AMBER algorithm in SCAN/WDSS, the performance of the algorithm during operations, and the feedback gathered from the Sterling forecasters on the utility of the algorithm and display at improving Flash-Flood warning information. The evaluation will be useful in determining if the AMBER algorithm can be implemented as part of the NWS' operational system, Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS)