The GPM Ground Validation McGill Vertical Pointing X-Band (VertiX) Radar GCPEx dataset consists of radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity data collected by the Vertically Pointing X-band (VertiX) radar during the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) field campaign in Ontario, Canada during the 2011-2012 winter season. VertiX can detect all precipitation targets and some ice clouds, as well as measure the Doppler velocity of precipitation targets. These measurements contributed to the overarching goal of GCPEx to collect various snowfall data for the improvement of GPM satellite winter precipitation estimates. These data files are available from January 15 through February 29, 2012 in netCDF-3 format with browse imagery available in GIF format.

The GPM Ground Validation McGill W-Band Radar GCPEx dataset was collected from February 1, 2012 to February 29, 2012 at the CARE site in Ontario, Canada as a part of the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). This datset was collected to aid in the achievement of the over arching goal of GCPEx which is to characterize the ability of multi-frequency active and passive microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow. The W-Band radar is a single antenna, 94-GHz pulsed Doppler, vertical pointing radar system. Data products from the W-Band radar include radar reflectivity, Doppler moments, and Doppler spectra of variable lengths. The W-Band radar is primarily used to research various cloud properties. The GPM Ground Validation McGill W-Band Radar GCPEx dataset is available in netCDF format.

The GPM Ground Validation Airborne Second Generation Precipitation Radar (APR-2) GCPEx dataset was collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx), which occurred in Ontario, Canada during the winter season of 2011-2012. GCPEx addressed shortcomings in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. The Second Generation Airborne Precipitation Radar (APR-2) is a dual-frequency (13 GHz and 35 GHz), Doppler, dual-polarization radar system. It has a downward looking antenna that performs cross track scans, covering a swath that is +/- 25 degrees to each side of the aircraft path. Additional features include: simultaneous dual-frequency, matched beam operation at 13.4 and 35.6 GHz (same as GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar), simultaneous measurement of both like- and cross-polarized signals at both frequencies, Doppler operation, and real-time pulse compression (calibrated reflectivity data can be produced for large areas in the field during flight, if necessary). The APR-2 flew aboard the NASA DC-8 for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) from 11 January to 25 February, 2012.

The GPM Ground Validation Mission Reports GCPEx dataset consists of various reports filed by the scientists during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) campaign which took place from January 15 - February 29, 2012 in Ontario, Canada; however, this dataset spans from September 4, 2011 to May 11, 2012. GCPEx addressed shortcomings in GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinating model simulations of precipitating snow. Report categories include the Mission Scientist, Mission Manager, Instrument Scientists, Weather Forecasts and Plan of Day. Many reports have additional information attached.

The GPM Ground Validation Environment Canada (EC) Wind Profiler GCPEx dataset provides post-processed consensus winds and daily quick look plots from the Vaisala Wind Profiler LAP 3000. The daily plots depict wind information, such as wind speed and wind direction, from the profiler and from the Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model data. The LAP 3000 is a pulsed Doppler radar that operates in clean air. The Wind profiler data was collected January 15, 2012 through March 1, 2012 for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) at the CARE site in Ontario, Canada. This dataset was collected to aid in the achievement of the over arching goal of GCPEx which is to characterize the ability of multi-frequency active and passive microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow.

The GPM Ground Validation KCXX NEXRAD GCPEx dataset was collected during January 9, 2012 to March 12, 2012 for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). GCPEx addressed shortcomings in GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. These data sets were collected toward achieving the overarching goal of GCPEx which is to characterize the ability of multi-frequency active and passive microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow. The Next Generation Weather Radar system (NEXRAD) is comprised of 160 Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) sites throughout the United States and select overseas locations. The GPM Ground Validation NEXRAD GCPEx data files are available as level 2 binary files and level 3 compressed binary files.

The GPM Ground Validation NASA W-band Airborne Cloud Radar (WACR) C3VP dataset consists of calibrated co- and cross-polarized radar reflectivity at 94 GHz during the Canadian CloudSat/CALIPSO Validation Project (C3VP) field campaign. The campaign took place in southern Canada in support of multiple science missions, including the NASA GPM mission, in order to improve the modeling and remote sensing of winter precipitation. The WACR is used for cloud sensing and microphysics. During C3VP, the WACR was deployed as a surface-based, zenith-pointing instrument in the Cloud Radar Trailer at the Centre for Atmospheric Research Experiments (CARE) facility in Ontario, Canada. The data include radar reflectivities in zenith-pointing orientation at the CARE facility. The dataset files are available in netCDF format from October 30, 2006 through March 2, 2007.

The GPM Ground Validation KCBW NEXRAD GCPEx dataset was collected during January 9, 2012 to March 12, 2012 for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). GCPEx addressed shortcomings in GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. These data sets were collected toward achieving the overarching goal of GCPEx which is to characterize the ability of multi-frequency active and passive microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow. The Next Generation Weather Radar system (NEXRAD) is comprised of 160 Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) sites throughout the United States and select overseas locations. The GPM Ground Validation NEXRAD GCPEx data files are available as level 2 binary files and level 3 compressed binary files.

The GPM Ground Validation KCXX NEXRAD GCPEx dataset was collected during January 9, 2012 to March 12, 2012 for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). GCPEx addressed shortcomings in GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. These data sets were collected toward achieving the overarching goal of GCPEx which is to characterize the ability of multi-frequency active and passive microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow. The Next Generation Weather Radar system (NEXRAD) is comprised of 160 Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) sites throughout the United States and select overseas locations. The GPM Ground Validation NEXRAD GCPEx data files are available as level 2 binary files and level 3 compressed binary files.

The GPM Ground Validation Environment Canada (EC) Precipitation Occurrence Sensor System (POSS) GCPEx dataset is comprised of data gathered during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx), which took place in Ontario, Canada, January 15 - 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. The POSS is a bi-static X-band Doppler radar designed by Environment Canada. The POSS measures a signal whose frequency is proportional to the particle Doppler velocity and whose amplitude is proportional to the particle scattering cross-section. Its measurements can be used to provide information regarding precipitation occurrence, type, rate, and raindrop size distribution.