Cross-Validation of Gridded Precipitation Datasets and a Regional Climate Simulation for the Interior Western United States

TitleCross-Validation of Gridded Precipitation Datasets and a Regional Climate Simulation for the Interior Western United States
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference2017
AuthorsGeerts, Bart, Jing Xiaoqin, Wang Yonggang, and Liu Changhai
Conference Name85th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date Published2017
Conference LocationBoise, Idaho
Abstract

This study compares orographic precipitation estimates in the interior western United States (IWUS) from
four gauge-driven gridded datasets, a radar-based dataset, and a 10-year, 4 km convection-permitting simulation
aided by gauge measurements. Gauge-driven gridded precipitation estimates disagree in areas where gauges are
sparse, especially at higher elevations. The radar-based dataset underestimates the winter precipitation in IWUS
because of blockage and lack of low-level radar coverage in complex terrain. The model simulation compares well
against gauge measurements for winter precipitation. Comparison between model and gauge-driven datasets
suggests their differences are related to elevation, gauge density and wind speed. The substantial disagreement
between model and the gridded datasets over some mountains may motivate the re-evaluation of some gauge records
and the installation of new gauges in regions marked by large discrepancies between modeled and gauge-driven
precipitation estimates. (KEYWORDS: gridded precipitation, climate, DAYMET, SNOTEL, climate simulation)

URL/files/PDFs/2017Geerts.pdf