Accuracy of precipitation measurements for hydrologic modeling

Abstract

The use of precipitation data as input for conceptual hydrologic models has enhanced the need for measurements more representative of ‘true’ precipitation. Precipitation input to continuous watershed models is generally some form of mean basin precipitation estimate based on point measurements. Each point measurement can have large catch deficiencies due to wind, especially for solid precipitation. A brief review is made of past results from studies concerned with these deficiencies. New curves based on current studies are presented for wind‐caused gage catch deficiencies for both rain and snow. The results of using gage catch correction factors to adjust precipitation input to a conceptual hydrologic model are presented. Copyright 1974 by the American Geophysical Union.