The GPM Ground Validation Environment Canada (EC) Manual Precipitation Measurements GCPEx dataset was collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) in Ontario, Canada with data collections from January 18 - March 28, 2012. GCPEx addressed shortcomings in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. Precipitation amount, weight, snow water equivalent and present weather condition were recorded using a Tretyakov gauge inside a double fence intercomparison reference (DFIR) shield.

The GPM Ground Validation Environment Canada Snow Surveys GCPEx dataset was manually collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx), which occurred in Ontario, Canada, January 20, 2012 through February 27, 2012 across four sites (CARE, Steamshow, Huronia Airport, and Skydive-Jump). GCPEx addressed shortcomings in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. Snow depth, water equivalent and density transects were surveyed weekly at each of the GCPEx sites in order to provide baseline information on the distribution of snow on the ground. Pairs of bulk density and snow water equivalent measurements were made every 25 m along the same transect using an ESC-30 (30 cm2 cross sectional area) snow corer. Snow depth measurements were made every 50 cm along a 100 m transect using a GPS equipped snow depth probe.

The GPM Ground Validation Environment Canada (EC) Web Camera Images GCPEx were taken at 5 site locations in Ontario, Canada during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx), which occurred January 15 through March 1, 2012. GCPEx addressed shortcomings in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. Mounted as a fixed outdoor camera, the AXIS P1343-E network camera had day/night functionality with an automatically controlled IR filter, adapting to both daylight and dark lighting conditions. These images provided visual records throughout the day of the weather conditions at each site.