Site log - Kwaj (Dec 1998) Flags: 1-Satellite coincidence data 2-Scan in TSDIS data 3-Scan not in TSDIS data A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage) B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very little coverage) ******************************************************************************* 01 Dec 98: Several organized lines of showers between 0Z and 12Z with widespread but lighter activity after 14Z. Data Analyzed: 0001-0125Z 0200-2020Z, 2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0028Z(488 km), 1331Z(158 km), 2315Z (179 km) QC notes: 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0011-0115Z: Intense clutter specks just outside 15km ring 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0430-0500Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 0530Z: Intense clutter speck north of radar -----> Corrected, spurious echo eliminated 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0700-0950Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1150-1250Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1700-1721Z: Intense clutter specks just outside 15km ring 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1810-1840Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 1850Z: Solar interference spike SE of radar ----> Corrected - spike removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1901-1920Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip near radar. ****************************************************************************************** 02 Dec 98: Lighter to moderate shower activity with stronger embedded convective cells covers the scope in a very disorganized pattern through ~18Z, then more organized intense convective activity spreads in from the NE and continues for the rest of the day. During the 23Z hour, a large convective cluster moves into the radar FOV and gels to the North and East of the radar. Several rapidly moving thin lines move over the radar location throughout the day. Complex gust front interaction is present. Data Analyzed: 0000-2350Z (Partial scans at 0251, 0401 and 1101Z - these scans have been placed in a bad files directory) Satellite Coincidence: 1218Z (505 km), 2339Z (690 km) QC Notes: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0100-0121Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0200-0210Z: Intense clutter specks could not be removed 0440Z: Intense clutter speck north of radar -----> Speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0540Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip near radar 0610Z: Intense clutter speck north of radar -----> Speck removed 0640-1050Z: Small patches of light to moderate 2nd trip echo to E and NE at mid/far range. ----> Partially Corrected - most 2nd trip echo removed at the expense of a few light showers 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0640-0730Z: Small patches of 2nd trip echo (<25 dBZ) could not be completely removed 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0850-0901Z: Small patches of 2nd trip echo (<25 dBZ) could not be completely removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1041Z: Intense clutter specks north of radar ----> Partially corrected - one speck reduced in intensity but others remain embedded in precip. 2A !!FLAG!! 1330Z: Intense clutter specks north of radar ----> Clutter cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo. 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1112-2110Z: A significant second trip episode occurs beginning east of the radar and sinking to the southeast of the radar over a ten hour period. With the modified parameter scheme, much of the second trip was eliminated but at the expense of several smaller showers especially at the start and end of the time frame. ----> Partially Corrected - some 2nd trip echo removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1710Z: Small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip echo not removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1850-1900Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip to North 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1930Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip to North 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1950-2001Z: Intense clutter specks near radar not removed 3A !!FLAG!! 2310-2350Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip to North ***************************************************************************************** 03 Dec 98: Major areas of convection between 0-7Z with a general lull until ~12Z when a significant complex develops SW of the radar and moves out of radar range around 19Z. Scattered convection is located to the South at far range and continues through the end of the day. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z (Partial scans at 1041 and 1621Z - moved to bad files directory) Satellite Coincidence: 1242Z (354 km), 2227Z (20 km) QC Notes: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0000-0410Z: Clutter specks N of radar embedded in precip 2A !!FLAG!! 0601Z: Clutter speck to NW cannot be removed without also removing significant precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0650-0740Z: Clutter specks N of radar embedded in precip 2A !!FLAG!! 0800Z: Intense clutter speck to N cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0811-0841Z: Clutter specks N of radar embedded in precip 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0830-1101Z: Small patches of light to moderate 2nd trip echo to SE at far range. ----> Partially Corrected - some 2nd trip echo was removed. Some spurious echo (<25 dBZ) could not be completely removed. Some light showers were removed in this process. 0910-0920Z: Clutter specks to N ----> Corrected - specks removed 2A !!FLAG!! 1030Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip 3A !!FLAG!! 1041Z: Corrupt VOS 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1101-1240Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip to North 3A !!FLAG!! 1621Z: Corrupt VOS 1840Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW at far range 1850Z: Solar interference, partially corrected 2220-2230Z: Clutter speck to NW at far range (2220) clutter speck to W at close range (2230) 1641-1700Z: Small patch of moderate 2nd trip echo to SW ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed. 1800Z: Small patch of light 2nd trip echo to W ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed. 1830-2351Z: Second trip and precip exist during this period; ----> partially corrected by raising parameters but some small showers eliminated in the process. 2nd trip is located to S and SW at mid and far range (see flags). 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1830-2100Z: Small patches of 2nd trip echo (<25 dBZ) remain to the SW 3A !!FLAG!! 2110Z: Small patch of 2nd trip echo (~30 dBZ) to SW 1A !!FLAG!! 2241Z: Small patch of 2nd trip echo (~30 dBZ) to SW ******************************************************************************************* 04 Dec 98: Light sporadic showers and small convective cells pass from E to W across the scope through 07Z. After 07Z, activity increases in intensity and becomes much better organized. A large MCS with leading edge convection and trailing stratiform rain pushes into the radar FOV from the SE. Light to moderate rain covers the southern half of the scope through 20Z. This activity pushes out of the FOV and lingering light rain dissipates as the day ends. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z (Corrupt scan at 0551Z - put in bad files directory) Satellite coincidence: 1130Z (304 km), 2115Z (626 km) QC Notes: 0100-0120Z: Clutter specks near radar ----> Partially corrected - clutter removed from 0100-0110 VOS 3A !!FLAG!! 0120Z: Intense clutter specks remain. 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0320Z: Light to moderate second trip SSW of radar ----> Most 2nd trip removed, but some small patches remain. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0201-0231Z: Intense clutter specks near radar partially embedded in precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0341-0400Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0551Z: Corrupt VOS 2A !!FLAG!! 0700Z: Clutter speck to North embedded in precip 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0930-1410Z: Clutter specks N, NE of radar - some embedded in precip ----> A few specks were removed, but the majority of specks are embedded in precip. 3A !!FLAG!! 1540Z: Clutter speck N of radar in close proximity to real precip echo. Clutter cannot be removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 1740Z: Clutter speck N of radar cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo. 2230Z: Clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 2250Z: Clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0600-2350Z: Small patches of light to moderate 2nd trip E,SE,S and SW of radar at mid/far range ----> 2nd trip echo was partially removed (along with a few showers). The spurious echo could not be completely removed. All remaining 2nd trip is <= 25 dBZ and aerial coverage is < 10%. ****************************************************************************************** 05 Dec 98: Light showers and thin convective lines pass from E to W from 00-08Z. After 09Z, coverage and intensity increase as showers with embedded convection push into the FOV from the SE. A more organized E-W oriented line sweeps over radar location between 13 and 17Z while another complex gels further south and persists through the end of the day. Several thin convective lines move over the radar location between 20-22Z. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite coincidence: 1154Z (540 km), 2138Z (213 km) QC Notes: 3A !!FLAG!! 0110Z: Intense clutter speck to E embedded in light precip 0251Z: Clutter speck north of radar -----> Corrected - speck removed 0311Z: Clutter speck north of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0841-1010Z: Second trip echo to S,W and clutter near radar ----> Partially corrected - some 2nd trip removed 3B !!FLAG!! 0920Z: Small patch of 2nd trip to W at far range 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0941-1010Z: Small patch of 2nd trip to W at far range 3A !!FLAG!! 0911Z: Clutter specks north of radar embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1000-1030Z: Clutter specks north and west of radar cannot be removed 1130-2350Z: Clutter specks N of radar - some specks are embedded ----> Partially corrected - some specks removed, but embedded specks cannot be removed without also removing precip echo (see flags) 1A !!FLAG!! 1151Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip to North 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1350-1930Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip to North 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2050-2300Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip to North 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1230-2350Z: Second trip echo S and SW of radar ----> 2nd trip echo cannot be completely removed. All spurious echo remaining is <25 dBZ with coverage < 10% ****************************************************************************************** 06 Dec 98: System to SW moves out of picture by ~4Z. Pockets of lighter showers encroach after 12Z with some slightly stronger cells across the south after 16Z and continuing to day's end. Thin lines of light to moderate showers with embedded convective cells pass over the radar location between 14Z and 16Z. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite coincidence: 1041Z (107 km), 2026Z (437 km) QC Notes: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0510Z: Small patches of light second trip echo to SW at mid/far range. ----> Partially corrected - some 2nd trip removed. Patches of 2nd trip (<= 25 dBZ) could not be completely removed. 2A !!FLAG!! 0000Z: Moderate clutter speck W of radar cannot be removed 0150Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> corrected - speck removed 0520-0650Z: Light showers removed by default QC params ----> Corrected - some showers reinstated. Fine structure of precip echoes could not be completely restored without introduction of spurious echo. 3A !!FLAG!! 0540Z: Intense clutter specks N of radar could not be removed due to proximity of real precip echo. 1150-1201Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> corrected - specks removed 1210-1500Z: Light showers removed by default QC params ----> Corrected - some light showers and echo structure restored at the expense of clutter specks 2A !!FLAG!! 1231Z: Clutter specks to W (close range) and NW (far range) could not be removed. Real precip echo has been restored during this time period. This also restores spurious echo. 2A !!FLAG!! 1330Z: Intense cluuter speck (2nd tilt) reinstated with light precip 3A !!FLAG!! 1411Z: Intense clutter speck reinstated with light precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1440-1521Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip 2A,3A,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1510-1900Z: Small patches of light/mod second trip echo to SW at mid/far range. Some light showers have already been removed by default QC params, and increasing the params will likely remove a few more showers. This is a trade-off. 2nd trip is ~ 25-30 dBZ and will have a larger negative impact on rainmaps than a few missing 10 dBZ showers. ----> Spurious echo could not be completely removed, although the coverage was reduced. Some remaining 2nd trip is 30 dBZ and requires an "A" flag. 1951Z: Clutter speck W of radar -----> speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 2110Z: Moderate cluter specks N of radar could not be removed. 2A !!FLAG!! 2230Z: Clutter speck W of radar could not be removed 2250Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed ***************************************************************************************** 07 Dec 98: A mostly uneventful day with smaller bands of showers from 0Z to about 14Z and minimal precipitation thereafter for the rest of the day. Data analyzed: 0000-0610Z, 1000-2351Z (Partial Scans at 1341Z and 1353Z) Satellite Coincidence: 1106Z (730 km), 2026Z (437 km) QC Notes: 0050Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0211-0250Z: Small patches of light to moderate 2nd trip echo to SW at far range. ----> Partially Corrected - some 2nd trip could not be removed (see flags) 3A !!FLAG!! 0211Z: Small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip remains to SW 2A !!FLAG!! 0230Z: Small patch 2nd trip (~25 dBZ) remains 0230Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 0410-0420Z: Clutter specks NW of radar embedded in precip 0500-0610Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. ----> Corrected - some light showers reinstated. 3A !!FLAG!! 1010Z: Intense clutter speck to NW cannot be removed due to proximity of real precip echo. 1131Z: Intense clutter speck to NW ----> Corrected - speck removed 1140-1513Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to S ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed (at the expense of a few light showers) 3A !!FLAG!! 1341-1353Z: Corrupt scans - put in bad_files directory 1631-1701Z: Clutter speck NW of radar -----> Partially corrected (see flags) 2A !!FLAG!! 1631Z: Clutter speck could not be removed 2A !!FLAG!! 1701Z: Clutter speck could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1740-1750Z: Clutter speck W of radar could not be removed due to presence of real precip echo. 2140Z: Small patch of light 2nd trip echo to S ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed. 2201Z: Small patch of light 2nd trip echo to S ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed. **************************************************************************************** 08 Dec 98: Another unremarkable day with very little precipitation until ~10Z and then widely scattered showers until ~20Z with diminished activity toward the end of the day. Reduction of reflectivity intensity (0812-0845Z) probably due to solar calibration procedure. Reduction of reflectivity intensity from 0342-0626Z probably related to ground faults in elevation servo. Data analyzed: 0001-0053Z 0200-0845Z 0940-2351Z (Corrupt scans at 0031,0043,0242Z) Satellite Coincidence: 0953Z (92 km), 1938Z (246 km) QC Notes: 0001-2351Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. Entire day reprocessed with reduced threshholding. ----> Some light showers restored. Clutter specks and minor 2nd trip echo were also restored (see flags). 3A !!FLAG!! 0211Z: Clutter specks NW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0254Z: Clutter speck to NW at far range 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0331-0342Z: Clutter specks NW and W of radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0403-0614Z: Very minor flag for clutter speck near radar 0614Z: Solar interference spike to SW near 150km ----> Corrected - spike removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 0640Z: Intense clutter speck to North 2A !!FLAG!! 0801Z: Clutter specks near radar and to NW at far range 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0812-0845Z: Minor flag for specks near radar 2A !!FLAG!! 1030Z: Intense speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1111-1140Z: Clutter specks NW of radar (close and far ranges) 2A !!FLAG!! 1200Z: Intense speck N of radar 2A !!FLAG!! 1230Z: Intense specks to NW at far range 2A !!FLAG!! 1330Z: Intense specks to NW at far range 3A !!FLAG!! 1410Z: Intense specks near radar. 1450Z: Intense speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1530Z: Intense speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1640-1650Z: Intense specks N of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1710Z: Moderate clutter specks to N and W 2A !!FLAG!! 1731Z: Intense speck near precip N of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1750-1800Z: Intense speck near precip N of radar 1830Z: Intense speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1850Z: Moderate speck to NW at far range 1910Z: Moderate clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed 2030Z: Moderate clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 2220Z: Moderate clutter specks to NW at far range 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2220-2250Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to SE at far range. This spurious echo was restored along with the showers. 2A !!FLAG!! 2330Z: Moderate clutter specks to NW at far range 2351Z: Intense clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed ******************************************************************************************* 09 Dec 98: Very little precipitation until ~11Z with organized bands of showers developing and moving from the SE to the SW for the remainder of the day. The northern half of the scope shows only a few light showers during the course of the day. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z (Corrupt scans at 0121,0321,2041 and 2053Z - put in bad_files directory) Satellite Coincidence: 0841Z (577 km), 2002Z (616 km) QC Notes: 3A !!FLAG!! 0110Z: Intense clutter specks N of radar ----> This is just before elevetion servo ground fault 0432Z: Clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0710Z: Clutter speck NW of radar -----> Corrected - speck removed 0820-0900Z: Small patch of light 2nd trip echo to S/SW at far range ----> Corrected - 2nd trip echo removed 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0951-1540Z: Small patches of light/moderate 2nd trip echo to S/SW at far range ----> Partially corrected - most 2nd trip echo removed, however, small patches remain. A few light showers were removed by this effort. 1010Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1030Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1120Z: Clutter speck N of radar embedded in precip. 1450Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW near 15 km range. ----> Corrected - speck removed 1510Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1710Z: Small patch of 2nd trip echo to SW at far range. ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2130-2150Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to S at far range. ----> Partially corrected - 2nd trip echo could not be completely removed due to presence of real precip echo. ******************************************************************************************* 10 Dec 98: Widespread precipitation across the southern half through 04Z. This precip probably continues but the radar is down until 08Z. An organized cluster of showers begins to peek into the FOV to the NE during the 09Z hours. Lighter and more widely scattered showers and limited convective activity move into the FOV after 12Z. Several thin lines of showers with embedded convection pass from E to W over the radar location. A NE-SW oriented loosly organized band of showers gels over the radar near the end of the day. Data Analyzed: 0000-0020Z, 0320-0401Z, 0828-2350Z (Partial scan at 0351Z) Satellite Coincidence: 0905Z (285 km), 1849Z (49 km) QC Notes: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0320-0330Z: Clutter specks N of radar cannot be removed due to close proximity of real precip echo. 3A !!FLAG!! 0251Z: Portion of VOS missing 2A !!FLAG!! 0401Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip to NW. 0837Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW at far range ----> Corrected - speck removed 1A !!FLAG!! 0901Z: Intense clutter speck to NW at far range cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo 2A !!FLAG!! 1200Z: Clutter speck NW of radar cannot be removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1640-1710Z: Clutter specks N-NW of radar embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2330-2350Z: Clutter specks N of radar embedded in precip. ******************************************************************************************* 11 Dec 98: Thin lines of light to moderate showers persist until ~0330Z and then diminish. Activity increases in coverage as several thin lines develop and push into the FOV after 10Z. By 20Z, the activity has exited to the West. Only minor echoes after 23Z. Several periods exist where reflectivity echoes fluctuate in intensity between VOS's. This is probably due to elevation servo testing as hardware concerns continue to plague the system. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0753Z (372 km), 1737Z (689 km) QC Notes: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0000-0031Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1331-1411Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip. 1430Z: Dimming of reflectivity intensity. 3A !!FLAG!! 1441Z: Clutter speck NW of radar cannot be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1640-1650Z: Clutter speck N of radar cannot be removed 1720Z: Clutter speck in precip. ----> Corrected - speck removed 1730-2000Z: Intermittant dimming of reflectivity intensity ******************************************************************************************* 12 Dec 98: The day begins with scattered light to moderate showers with small embedded convective cells. Near 0430Z, organized clusters of convection and showers push into the FOV from the SE, but remain mainly in the southern half of the scope. By 07Z, thin convective lines push in from the East and develop over the scope. Activity increases in coverage and intensity for the rest of the day. Large organized convective clusters and stratiform rains cover the majority of the scope as the day ends. Several lines of showers and convection pass over the radar location as this disturbance moves through the area. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0816Z (479 km), 1801Z (149 km) QC Notes: 3A !!FLAG!! 0241Z: Clutter speck NW of radar cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo 0600-0620Z: Small patch of light 2nd trip echo to SW at far range. ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 0920Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to SW at far range. ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 3B !!FLAG!! 1210Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to SW and E at far range. ----> 2nd trip to East could not be completely removed 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1230-2350Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo to E,S,W at far range. ----> Although greatly improved, all 2nd trip could not be removed. Remaining spurious echo is < 25 dBZ and < 10% coverage. A few light showers were removed during this QC reprocessing. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1250-1300Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1330-1531Z: Clutter specks N of radar - most embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1720-1800Z: Clutter specks N of radar - some embedded in precip and others in close proximity to precip. 1911-1920Z: Clutter specks N of radar ----> Partially Corrected - speck removed from 1911Z VOS 3A !!FLAG!! 1920Z: Several clutter specks to N at close range 2010-2020Z: Moderate clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 2100Z: Intense clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed 2140Z: Moderate clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed 2B !!FLAG!! 2200Z: Moderate clutter speck to North cannot be removed 3B !!FLAG!! 2350Z: Intense clutter speck to North embedded in precip ******************************************************************************************** 13 Dec 98: Light to moderate showers with large areas of organized convection covers the scope through the 04Z hour. Major precipitation area clears radar range by 8Z with only scattered activity through 14Z. More organized convection and general rains then move into the radar FOV from the South and generally develop over the Southern half of the scope. After 20Z, a large convective cluster moves from E to W across the Southern half while more scattered convection moves into the FOV from the East as the day ends. This was a very active day. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0704Z (174 km), 1649Z (504 km) QC Notes: 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0720Z: Light to moderate 2nd trip echo to E,S, and W at far range ----> Majority of spurious echo was removed, however small patches remain. The remaining 2nd trip is < 25 dBZ and < 10% coverage. Some light showers were removed due to this QC effort. 0750Z: Small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip echo to S at mid-range ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed. 0840-2120Z: Significant 2nd trip echo mainly to South. A few pixels of spurious echo have 40 dBZ intensity! ----> Partially Corrected (most 2nd trip removed, however, some small patches of spurious echo remain. Some light showers were removed as a result of this QC effort. 3A !!FLAG!! 1251Z: small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip echo to south 3A !!FLAG!! 1450Z: small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip echo to south 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1520-1741Z: small patches of 20-30 dBZ 2nd trip echo to south 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1900-2120Z: small patches of light 2nd trip echo to south (<25 dBZ) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0050-0150Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 2A !!FLAG!! 0300Z: Clutter speck north of radar cannot be removed without also removing significant precip echo. 0510-0550Z: Clutter specks partially embedded in precip near radar ----> Partially corrected - some specks removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0540Z: 30 dBZ clutter speck embedded in precip to North 0610-0700Z: Clutter specks NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1140Z: Intense clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed !!FLAG!! 1820-1851Z: Clutter specks to North ----> Partially corrected 3A !!FLAG!! 1820Z: Clutter could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1851Z: Clutter could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 2040Z: Clutter specks to North 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2100-2110Z: Clutter specks to North could not be removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2130-2150Z: Clutter specks to North embedded in precip QC efforts removed a little clutter. ********************************************************************************************** 14 Dec 98: Numerous bands of showers with embedded convection move from the SE and the NE over the radar site with activity gradually diminishing by 21Z. Only light scattered showers are present through day's end. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0728Z (666 km), 1713Z (349 km) QC Notes: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0121-0140Z: Clutter specks N of radar (partially embedded) 0020Z: Small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip to W at mid-range. ----> Corrected - 2nd trip echo removed 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0100-0331Z: Small patches of light/moderate 2nd trip to W and SW ----> Partially corrected - a few patches are still present. Remaining 2nd trip is <= 25 dBZ and < 10% coverage. A few light showers were removed as a result of QC. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0630-0650Z: Clutter specks N of radar could not be removed due to close proximity of real precip echo. 0800Z: Clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0920Z: Clutter specks N of radar ----> Partially corrected - some speck remain 2A !!FLAG!! 1001Z: Clutter specks N of radar could not be removed 1130Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1220-1251Z: Clutter specks (partially embedded) to N ----> Partially corrected - specks remain embedded in precip 2A !!FLAG!! 1330Z: Clutter speck NW of radar embedded in light precip 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1450-1520Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip SW of radar ----> Partially corrected - few patches remain 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1951-2151Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip SW of radar ----> Partially corrected - few patches remain 2230Z: Clutter speck NW of radar -----> speck removed 2241-2351Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip SW of radar ----> Partially corrected - see flag 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2320-2340Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip remain ********************************************************************************************* 15 Dec 98: Intermittant scattered light shower activity persists throughout the day. Not much activity although some slightly more intense and organized bands of showers between 7Z and 15Z near the southern edge of the 150km ring. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0616Z (26 km), 1600Z (309 km) QC Notes: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0010-0340Z: A bit of light second trip SW of radar, not a major problem ----> Partially corrected - a few light patches remain 2A !!FLAG!! 0331Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW at far range 0731Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW ----> Corrected - speck removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1010Z: Moderate clutter specks to NW 1031-1321Z: More light/moderate second trip SW ----> second trip largely removed, however, a few patches remain 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1031-1050Z: Light 2nd trip (< 25 dBZ) to SW 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1100-1110Z: Small patches of 30 dBZ 2nd trip to SW 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1120-1220Z: Light 2nd trip (< 25 dBZ) to SW 1130Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW ----> Corrected - speck removed 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1340-1431Z: Another episode of light/mod second trip to SW ----> second trip largely removed, however, a few patches remain. 30 dBZ 2nd trip occurs at 1351Z 3A !!FLAG!! 1351Z: Small patch of 30 dBZ 2nd trip echo to SW at mid-range. 3A !!FLAG!! 1451Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW 1700Z: Small patch of light second trip echo to SW ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 2100Z: Intense clutter speck to NW 1730-2351Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. This takes priority to other problems. ----> Corrected - light showers reinstated at the expense of clutter specks and minor 2nd trip echo - see flags 2A !!FLAG!! 1730Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW and 2nd trip to SW 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1750-1800Z: Minor second trip to SW 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1930-1940Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks to NW 2A !!FLAG!! 2100Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW 3A !!FLAG!! 2120Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2150-2200Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks to NW 3A !!FLAG!! 2310Z: Moderate clutter speck to NW 3A !!FLAG!! 2351Z: Moderate clutter specks to NW ********************************************************************************************* 16 Dec 98: Another day of basically very light and scattered showers, mostly along the southern fringes of the radar range. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0503Z (643 km), 1624Z (551 km) QC Notes: 0000-0120Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. ----> Corrected - showers reinstated Clutter was also brought back (see flags) 2A !!FLAG!! 0000Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0020Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0040Z: Intense clutter speck to NW at far range 0131Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0810-0830Z: Intense clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1030Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1B,2B,3A,3B !!FLAG!! 0540-2351Z: second trip SW of radar for just about this entire period with very light precip perhaps embedded; Some 2nd trip was removed, but not all. Therefore, the entire period must be flagged. The periods 1200-1650Z, and 2021-2351Z had only a few minor echoes from precip, but contained extensive 20-40 dBZ 2nd trip. All echo from these periods were removed. In this particular case, the detremental impact on the rain map by including the spurious echo would be too extreme. 1830Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1850Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 2300Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed ********************************************************************************************** 17 Dec 98: Light to moderate showers with embedded convective cells rapidly develop over most of the radar scope after 02Z. The most organized activity remains in the southern half of the scope at mid/far range. A large convective cluster moves into the FOV from the SE near 0930Z. The convection and light/moderate rains form an E-W oriented band which slowly pushes northward and dissipates as it reaches the radar site (near 2340Z). Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0527Z (223 km), 1512Z (113 km) QC Notes: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0251Z: second trip SW of radar -----> Partially Corrected - the majority of 2nd trip was removed, however some false echo remains to SW at far range. 0051Z: Moderate clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - specks removed 2A !!FLAG!! 0300Z: Clutter speck N of radar embedded in light shower 3A !!FLAG!! 0321Z: Clutter speck NW of radar embedded in light shower 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0350-0400Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0450-0940Z: second trip SE of radar -----> Partially Corrected - the majority of 2nd trip was removed, however some false echo remains to SE at far range. 1A !!FLAG!! 0501Z: Moderate clutter speck near radar could not be removed due to proximity of real precip echo 1A,2A !!FLAG!! 0530-0540Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 0751-0811Z: Clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - specks removed 0850Z: Moderate clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1130Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1240Z: Moderate clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1450Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1240-1731Z: Light to moderate 2nd trip echo to S and SE ----> Partially Corrected - the majority of 2nd trip was removed, however some false echo remains at far range. 1950Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 2111-2130Z: Clutter specks NW of radar -----> Partially Corrected - most specks removed (see flag) 3A !!FLAG!! 2111Z: Clutter speck could not be removed. 2120-2230Z: second trip SW of radar -----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 2210-2350Z: Light showers remvoed by default QC params. This takes priority. ----> Corrected - some light showers reinstated. Unfortunately, 2nd trip echo was also restored (see flag) 2A,3A,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2210-2350Z: Small patches of light 2nd trip echo were restored along with showers. 2nd trip echo is <= 25 dBZ, with coverage < 10%. Also, moderate to intense clutter specks were restored with the precip in almost all volume scans. ********************************************************************************************** 18 Dec 98: Very light and intermittent activity with a slight increase in intensity between 11 and 20Z in the southern half of the scope, but overall a non-eventful day. Data analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0415Z (438 km), 1400Z (749 km) QC Notes: 0630Z: Intense clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0720Z: Clutter speck N of radar -----> Corrected - speck removed 1900Z: Solar interference spike SE of radar, ----> Corrected - spike removed 2000-2010Z: Clutter specks N of radar -----> Corrected - specks removed ********************************************************************************************** 19 Dec 98: Precip. from east after 14Z continues to develop with organized lines of light to moderate showers with embedded convective cells. This activity continues for the rest of the day. Data analyzed: 0000-0341Z, 1304-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0439Z (417 km), 1424Z (85 km) QC Notes: 0331-0341Z: Clutter specks near radar (no precip) This is just before elevation servo problems. -----> Corrected - specks removed 1700-2351Z: Light shower bands removed be default QC params. This problem takes priority. ----> Corrected - some light showers reinstated (along with clutter - see flags) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1830-1850Z: Clutter speck N of radar could not be removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 1910Z: Intense clutter specks restored with light precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2000-2010Z: Clutter specks near radar could not be removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 2040Z: Intense clutter specks restored with light precip. 3A !!FLAG!! 2120-2131Z: Clutter specks NW of radar embedded in precip. 3A !!FLAG!! 2250Z: Intense clutter specks restored with light precip. 3A !!FLAG!! 2351Z: Intense clutter specks restored with light precip. ********************************************************************************************** 20 Dec 98: A steady stream of light to occasionally moderate shower activity with embedded convective cells persists for the entire day with bands moving E to W and individual elements sliding from SE to NW. A slight dimming of reflectivities occurs from 0051-0135Z possibly due to incorrect procedure performed during solar calibration. Data analyzed: 0000-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0327Z (238 km), 1311Z (565 km) QC Notes: 0000-2351Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. This problem takes priority. ----> Corrected - some light showers reinstated. Unfortunately, clutter specks were also restored with real precip echo (see flags) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0051-0145Z: Clutter specks NW of radar. Some specks embedded in precip, while others appear to be present due to problems with the elevation servo. 0630Z: Solar spike SW ----> Corrected - spike removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0650Z: Clutter speck embedded in precip north of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0820Z: Clutter speck north of radar could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0850Z: Clutter speck north of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1040-1100Z: Clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1350-1420Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip NW of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1520-1530Z: Clutter speck north of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1550Z: Clutter speck embedded in light shower NW of radar 2A !!FLAG!! 1730Z: Clutter specks north of radar could not be removed 1900Z: Solar spike remnant SE ----> Corrected - spike removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1900-1910Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip N of radar 2A !!FLAG!! 2001-2011Z: Clutter specks embedded in precip NE & NW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 2040Z: Clutter speck embedded in precip NE & NW of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2200-2211Z: Moderate clutter specks in close proximity to precip. ***************************************************************************************** 21 Dec 98: Light to moderate showers with embedded stronger cells are present for most of the day with the predominant orientation of the rain bands becoming more SW-NE after the data gap as compared with the NW-SE orientation prior to the gap. Most activity remains in the southern half of the radar scope after 07Z. All activity diminishes somewhat after 20Z. Data analyzed: 0000-0300Z, 0621-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0351Z (605 km), 1335Z (283 km) QC Notes: 2A !!FLAG!! 0000Z: Clutter speck N of radar in close proximity to real precip echo 0030Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 0631Z: Solar spike SW of radar ----> corrected - spike removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0641Z: Intense clutter speck N of radar could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 0910Z: Clutter specks near radar could not be removed 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1130-2350Z: Lengthy period of second trip beginning SE of the radar and progressing through the S and eventually to the SW. ----> Partially Corrected - Much is removed by modifying params, yet some remains - thus the minor flag. ***************************************************************************************** 22 Dec 98: Thin lines of light to moderate showers with embedded stronger cells parade across the scope from E to W through 15Z. Less intense and scattered showers occur the rest of the day. Data analyzed: 0001-2352Z Satellite Coincidence: 0238Z (38 km), 1223Z (372 km) QC Notes: 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0001-0400Z: Second trip exists in a region running SW to W of radar at far range ----> Partially Corrected - most 2nd trip removed. A few patches remain. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0421-0524Z: Clutter specks (some embedded in precip) N of radar ----> Entire period must be flagged as clutter cannot be removed 0751-0910Z: Second trip SE of radar at far range, more confined than earlier episode ----> Partially Corrected - most 2nd trip removed. A few patches remain (see flag) 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0800-0810Z: Small pathces of 2nd trip echo to SE at far range could not be completely removed. Spurious echo is <= 25 dBZ with coverage < 10%. 1651Z: Clutter speck W of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1901Z: Solar spike SE toward 150km limit ----> Corrected - spike removed 2210Z: Clutter speck to North ----> Corrected - speck removed 2312Z: Clutter speck NW of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed ***************************************************************************************** 23 Dec 98: Quiet until ~9Z then some increase in activity especially in the period from 15Z to 19Z with light to moderate showers and small convective cells. This activity diminishes and moves out of scope by 21Z. No more precip through the end of the day. Data analyzed: 0002-2351Z Satellite Coincidence: 0126Z (709 km), 1247Z (485 km) QC Notes: 0041-0151Z: Minor instance of second trip SW of radar (no precip) ----> Corrected - 2nd trip removed 0830-1731Z: Light showers removed by default QC params. ----> Corrected - showers reinstated. Clutter problems enhanced (see flags) 2A !!FLAG!! 0900Z: Clutter speck restored with precip 3A !!FLAG!! 1110Z: Clutter speck NW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1150Z: Clutter speck N of radar embedded in precip 1210Z: Clutter speck N of radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1A,2A !!FLAG!! 1220-1301Z: Clutter specks (some embedded) were restored with precip in base and 2nd tilt. 3A !!FLAG!! 1440Z: Intense clutter speck restored with precip 1900Z: Solar spike remnant near 150km ring ----> Corrected - spike removed 2110Z: Clutter speck NW of radar -----> Corrected - speck removed 2150Z: Clutter speck NW of radar -----> Corrected - speck removed ******************************************************************************* 24 Dec 98: Scattered showers increase in coverage after 10Z. A few small, intense cores, but nothing significant. Data Analyzed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0149Z(157 km), 1134Z(181 km) QC notes: 0020-0220Z: A few very light, small showers removed by defaults. ----> Mostly corrected...some light showers still difficult to reinstate. Following VOSs are flagged for intense clutter specks near radar (other clutter specks are located w/in 15 km and VOSs are not flagged) : 1A !!FLAG!! 0130Z: Clutter specks near radar 1A !!FLAG!! 0151Z: Clutter specks near radar 0700-2310Z: Light showers removed by default params. ----> Mostly corrected Many light showers brought back, but still may be a few insignificant showers still missing. Also, the following VOSs are flagged due to pesky clutter specks (other clutter specks may exist in certain VOSs w/in 15 km...these VOSs are not flagged): 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0710-0840Z: Clutter specks near radar 2A !!FLAG!! 1030Z: Clutter specks near radar 1A !!FLAG!! 1151Z: Clutter specks near radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1730-1750Z: Clutter specks near radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1820-1920Z: Clutter specks near radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2020-2030Z: Clutter specks near radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 2220-2230Z: Clutter specks near radar ******************************************************************************* 25 Dec 98: Scattered showers mostly in S half of scope for most of the day. A few intense precip cores, but precip is generally light and not significant. Data Analyzed: 0000-0327Z 1020-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0037Z(512 km), 1158Z(681 km) QC notes: 0211-0317Z: Clutter specks N of radar. ----> Most intense specks inside 15 km, so they won't affect rain maps. A couple of tiny, light specks outside 15 km, but they are considered negligible and not flagged. 2A !!FLAG!! 1020Z: Clutter specks of unknown origin to NW at far range. 1120-1950Z: Some light showers removed by defaults, also may be some light second trip echoes in a handful of VOSs. ----> Many of the light showers retained due to lowering a few params, however, a few small showers are still missing (not considered a major problem). Also a few clutter specks w/in 15 km of radar that are not flagged. The following VOSs are flagged, though: 1551Z: Clutter specks of unknown origin to NW at far range ----> Corrected - specks removed 1750Z: Clutter specks of unknown origin to NW at far range ----> Corrected - specks removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1840Z: Clutter speck embedded in light shower to NW of radar. *Clutter range 40 km* 3A !!FLAG!! 1950Z: Clutter specks of unknown origin to NW at far range. *Potential false echo between 100-150 km* ******************************************************************************* 26 Dec 98: Light showers develop after 07Z and pass from NE to SW. Showers dissipate and move out of range by 20Z. No additional activity. Several volume scans show strange clutter patterns. This is likely due to hardware problems as elevation servo, bull gear, and diode replacement all occur near the end of December. Data Analyzed: 0000-2346Z Satellite Coincidence: 0101Z(344 km), 1045Z(11 km), 2349Z(310 km) QC notes: 0800-1550Z: Light, relatively insignificant showers removed by default qc params. ----> Corrected - showers reinstated Some minor clutter specks were also restored, but they are too minor to flag the VOSs. 0131-0141Z: Intense clutter specks present due to elevation servo problems (no precip) ----> Corrected - all echo removed 0851Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1331Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1351Z: Clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - specks removed 1451Z: Clutter speck near radar ----> Corrected - speck removed 1510Z: Clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - specks removed 1540Z: Clutter speck to NW at far range ----> Corrected - speck removed 1550-1900Z: Clutter specks near radar ----> Corrected - specks removed 2232Z: Clutter speck to NW at far range ----> Corrected - speck removed ******************************************************************************* 27 Dec 98: No echo until 13Z, when thin lines of showers with embedded stronger cells push into the radar FOV from the NE. This scattered activity continues through the end of the day. Data Analyzed: 0021-2354Z Satellite Coincidence: 0933Z(630 km) QC notes: 0021-1110Z: Occassional clutter specks near radar and at far range to NW ----> Corrected - specks removed 1121-2345Z: Light showers removed by default qc params. ----> Corrected - showers reinstated. clutter specks were also restored (see flags) 2A !!FLAG!! 1230Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1400-1440Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip 3A !!FLAG!! 1551Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1731-1740Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip 3A !!FLAG!! 1910Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 2141Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 2211Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2321-2354Z: Intense clutter specks due to elevation servo problems. ******************************************************************************* 28 Dec 98: Bands of light showers parade from E to W throughout the limited data available on this day. Reflectivity intensity fluctuations begin near 06Z and continue through 14Z due to diode failure. Downtime after 14Z is attributed to diode failure and replacement. Corrupt VOS at 0741Z. Data Analyzed: 0004-1400Z Satellite Coincidence: 0012Z(537 km), 0957Z(210 km) QC notes: 0004-1400Z: Light showers removed by default qc params. ----> Corrected - some showers reinstated. Clutter specks are restored with the precip (see flags) 1A !!FLAG!! 0034Z: Intense clutter speck embedded in precip 3A !!FLAG!! 0213Z: Intense clutter speck near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0741Z: VOS corrupt - put in bad_files directory ******************************************************************************* 29 Dec 98: Radar not operating - diode failure and replacement ******************************************************************************* 30 Dec 98: Radar not operating - diode failure and replacement ******************************************************************************* 31 Dec 98: Radar not operating - diode failure and replacement *******************************************************************************