Does RTMA/URMA include SNOTEL Temperature Data?

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Victor Stegemiller, modified 10 Days ago.

Does RTMA/URMA include SNOTEL Temperature Data?

Youngling Posts: 4 Join Date: 6/25/13 Recent Posts

Hi RTMA/URMA Group,

We have a specific question regarding the data used in the analysis for URMA and RTMA: Does the analysis incorporate temperature observations from SNOTEL stations?

The Operational Models Encyclopedia doesn't say specifically.

Thanks! -Victor
Victor Stegemiller
Hydrometeorologist
Northwest River Forecast Center

Matthew Morris, modified 8 Days ago.

RE: Does RTMA/URMA include SNOTEL Temperature Data?

Youngling Posts: 181 Join Date: 12/6/17 Recent Posts

Hi Victor,

Yes, we use SNOTEL temperature observations in RTMA/URMA. However, we only use a limited subset of the observations in RTMA, as the vast majority do not arrive at NCEP in time for the data cutoff (30-min past analysis time). However, we are not using the wind speed & gust observations, as SNOTEL was removed from our trusted provider list last October.

As a reminder, we provide KML observation files containing most of the observations used in URMA; these files do not include restricted observations. The files can be found here and are viewable in Google Earth.

Thanks,
Matt

On Mon, Nov 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM VLab Notifications <VLab.Notifications@noaa.gov> wrote:

Hi RTMA/URMA Group,

We have a specific question regarding the data used in the analysis for URMA and RTMA: Does the analysis incorporate temperature observations from SNOTEL stations?

The Operational Models Encyclopedia doesn't say specifically.

Thanks! -Victor
Victor Stegemiller
Hydrometeorologist
Northwest River Forecast Center

--
Victor Stegemiller RTMA/URMA Discussion Group Virtual Lab Forum https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/715073/discussions-forums-/-/message_boards/view_message/47803542 VLab.Notifications@noaa.gov

Matthew Morris

SAIC at NOAA/NWS/NCEP/EMC

5830 University Research Ct., Rm. 2038

College Park, MD 20740

301-683-3758