North American participation in the WMO solid precipitation measurement intercomparison

TitleNorth American participation in the WMO solid precipitation measurement intercomparison
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1991
AuthorsMetcalfe, J. R., Hanson C., and Pangburn T.
Conference Name59th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 59th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1991
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationJuneau, Alaska
KeywordsMeasurement, Precipitation, WMO
Abstract

In North America, standard methods of snowfall measurements vary significantly not only between the United States and Canada but within each country. In order to address hydrological and meteorological problems of concern to both countries, compatible spatial and temporal measurements of precipitation are required. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has initiated an international comparison to assess national methods of measuring solid precipitation to determine the wind related errors in measurement, including consideration of wetting and evaporative losses, and to derive standard methods for correcting solid precipitation measurements. The reference method in this 5-year intercomparison which began in 1987, is an octagonal vertical double-fence surrounding a Tretyakov precipitation gauge.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1991Metcalfe.pdf