An automated meteorological data validation system for the Soil Conservation Service SNOTEL network

The SCS and ARS have collaborated on a project to develop an automated validation system for hydrometeorological data collected by the SCS SNOTEL system. The analysis portion of the software analyzes historical cata collected at individual SNOTEL sites, defining the expected ranges and daily changes of snowpack, precipitation, and air temperature data. The validation portion of the software screens real time data against these limits as well as performing other quality control tests. The implementation of this software into the SCS SNOTEL system will yield improved data quality for water supply forecasting and other resource management activities. Future planned developments include the incorporation of tests comparing data from nearby sites, and development of an algorithm for estimating missing or erroneous data.