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) 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.

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 Pluvio Precipitation Gauge GCPEx dataset contains both one minute measurements and a cumulative record of the accumulation and intensity for liquid, solid, and mixed precipitation collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). GCPEx addressed shortcomings in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by collecting microphysical properties, associated remote sensing observations, and coordinated model simulations of precipitating snow. GCPEx took place in Ontario, Canada uring the winter season of December 2011 through February 2012 where data was collected at five sites: CARE, Huronia, Steamshow, Skydive and Morton.

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) Visibility Sensor FD12P and Present Weather Detector GCPEx dataset contains data collected from January 15 through March 1, 2012 in Huronia, Canada for the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). 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 FD12P combines the functions of a forward scatter visibility meter and a present weather detector. It also measures the intensity and the amount of both liquid and solid precipitation.

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.

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.

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 Environment Canada (EC) VAISALA Ceilometer GCPEx dataset was collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) in Huronia, Canada from January 15, 2012 through March 1, 2012. The GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) 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 CT25K ceilometer uses pulsed diode laser LIDAR technology to derive backscatter profiles, cloud heights and vertical visibilities. It is also able to detect 3 cloud layers simultaneously.