Preliminary investigation of WSR-88D data for winter hydrometeorological events in upstate New York

For five case storms from January to March 1995, radar reflectivity data obtained from the Binghamton, New York WSR-88D ground radar were compared to ground snowfall measurements acquired using a snowboard network located at the Heiberg Research Forest in Tully, New York. The WSR-88D was evaluated for its potential in measuring the snowfall rate and snow water equivalent for three of the distinct types of snowstorms that affect central New York: Great Lakes lake-effect, overrunning (Gulf-origin) and Atlantic coastal storms. Level IV base reflectivity values were recorded from each volume scan for the one pixel (1 km ;A regression of reflectivity (Z) on snow water equivalent precipitation rate (W) produced higher correlations for the Atlantic and overrunning storms (R...