Rainfall Gauges of the National Weather Service
The following is a reprint of an email submitted to the AWC website:
Atlanta Whitewater Club
As a new kayak owner, I have spent some time searching the Internet looking for places to go over the southeast U.S.
I am the hydrologist in charge of the National Weather Service's Southeast River Forecast Center (SERFC), based in Peachtree City, Ga. (Atlanta area).
The SERFC provides a variety of hydrometeorological services for the southeast U.S., including collecting real-time weather and river data, compiling radar information, and making short and long lead-time river forecasts. As I went through your web site, I thought you might be interested in passing along to your members the following information, or linking our site to your web page.
Past Rainfall (Gage): This graphic is based on our collection of 24-hour rain gage rainfall. This might give you an idea of how much rain fell over the area. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/qpfvsmap.htm
Past Rainfall (Radar): This graphic again can be used to determine how much rain fell over the area; however, it is based on our "Stage 3" doppler radar data, which has been calibrated with surrounding gage data. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/qpfvsmap.htm
Mean Area Precipitation (MAP): This might be very useful to your group. Each day we calculate mean areal precipitation for our river basins. This graphic is reflective of how much rain fell over a specific river basin. Perhaps you could use this in collaboration with the above radar rainfall information. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/qpfvsmap.htm
Forecast Rainfall (FMAP): Our meteorologists produce a 24-hour rainfall forecast, issued in 6-hour intervals. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/qpfpage.html
Hydrometeorological Discussion: Our staff produces a daily outlook for hydrometeorological activity. This will give you a general idea of what to expect over the next 24 hours. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/hmd/default.html
River Forecasts: We issue 5-day forecasts, in 6-hour intervals, at this site. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/river.htm
Long-Range Outlook: This is an advanced product, but it is our outlook for river conditions 3 months out. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/esp/html/esp.htm
Flash Flood Guidance: This is another product that might be of use to you. Flash flood guidance indicates how much rain is required (per time frame) to produce enough runoff to bring smaller streams to bank full. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/atr/flash.htm
Take a look at our site, I think you will find a lot of useful information in planning your trips.
If I can do anything to assist your group, don't hesitate to give me a call. Since you are so close, if you are interested in me speaking to your group sometime, let me know.
John Feldt
Hydrologist in Charge
Southeast River Forecast Center