Optimal Design of a Surface Precipitation Network in Canada

Abstract

Abstract The surface precipitation network in Canada suffers from large data gaps due to the challenge of covering a large country with a low population density. A proof-of-concept for an optimal network design is proposed to more efficiently estimate precipitation in Canada with the design goal of minimizing the interpolation uncertainty. The network design is based on a statistical model of precipitation that accounts for intermittency and non-Gaussianity of precipitation. Our results indicate that the greatest needs for new stations are in British Columbia, where coastal and mountain climate leads to more uncertainty in precipitation amounts, while the Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) could gain efficiencies by reducing their network size. Despite the current low density of stations in the territories north of Canada, these drier and colder regions only have a moderate need for more stations, mostly in the mountainous regions of Yukon. However, from a spatially varying wind undercatch measurement error model, it is shown that these northern regions have greatest need for higher-accuracy measurements. Significance Statement The proposed methodology can guide in the optimal placement of precipitation gauges across a large country such as Canada, which will provide value for money in how rain and snow are monitored.