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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

SPLASH Field Study; CLAMPS2 Doppler Lidar VAD Data (NCEI Accession 0304717)

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These files contain 24-hour periods of data collected from the CLAMPS2 Halo Streamline XR+ Doppler lidar. The Doppler lidar conducts regular conical scans at a set elevation angle. These data are then passed through a typical VAD algorithm to retrieve horizontal wind speed and direction profiles. These data were collected during the SPLASH project.
Data collection and processing:
For the SPLASH campaign, the CLAMPS2 Doppler lidar collected PPI scans at 60 deg elevation every 5 minutes. The Doppler lidar provides range-resolved, line-of-sight measurements of radial velocity, intensity (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]+1), and attenuated backscatter. In the case of PPI scans meant for VAD analysis, these data are passed through a VAD code to produce profiles of horizontal wind speed and direction. Vertical velocity is also provided, but it is not as high quality as vertical velocity more directly measured by vertical stares. The provided files provide the intensity field (SNR+1), which can be used as a ‘filter’ for noise. A good rule of thumb cutoff is 1.01.
Data format:
Data are provided in netcdf format. The typical naming convention is clampsdlvad1turnC2.c1.YYYYMMDD.HHmmss.cdf, following closely to ARM file naming convention. The files have time and height dimensions.
  • Cite as: Smith, Elizabeth; Bell, Tyler; Bunting, Lydia; Ballard, Brad (2025). SPLASH Field Study; CLAMPS2 Doppler Lidar VAD Data (NCEI Accession 0304717). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/rpx2-t532. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:0304717
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Distribution Formats
  • CDF
  • DOCX
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Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 2021-10-06 to 2022-01-18
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -106.98782
East: -106.98782
South: 38.86971
North: 38.86971
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2025-06-04
  • creation: 2025-05-30
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose From fall 2021 through summer 2023, NOAA and research partners participated in the Study of Precipitation, the Lower Atmosphere and Surface for Hydrometeorology (SPLASH). This field study installed a comprehensive, state-of-the-art observing network in the East River watershed of the Colorado mountains with a goal of advancing weather and water prediction capabilities in areas with complex terrain. Benefits: In combination with scientific analysis of the resulting datasets, research will apply SPLASH observations and the resulting enhanced process-understanding to evaluate and improve NOAA's latest suite of modeling tools, including the Unified Forecast System, Rapid Refresh Forecast System, and National Water Model. The ultimate goal of this project will be improved prediction of weather and water in the Colorado mountains and beyond to inform societal preparedness and response.
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Smith, Elizabeth; Bell, Tyler; Bunting, Lydia; Ballard, Brad (2025). SPLASH Field Study; CLAMPS2 Doppler Lidar VAD Data (NCEI Accession 0304717). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/rpx2-t532. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Collaborators
Contributors
Resource Providers
Publishers
Acknowledgments
  • Funding Agency: University of Colorado - Boulder; Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
  • Funding Agency: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
  • Funding Agency: US Department of Energy
  • Funding Agency: Black Swift Technologies
  • Funding Agency: Colorado State University
  • Funding Agency: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Funding Agency: NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML)
  • Funding Agency: NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL)
  • Funding Agency: National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
  • Funding Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • meteorology
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords Provider Keywords
  • alt
  • base_time
  • height
  • hour
  • intensity
  • lat
  • lon
  • rms
  • time_offset
  • wdir
  • wspd
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords Provider Instruments
  • Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL)
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
Project keywords Provider Project Names
  • SPLASH - Study of Precipitation, the Lower Atmosphere, and Surface for Hydrometeorology
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Keywords Send2NCEI Submission Package ID
  • X2F3HA
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Smith, Elizabeth; Bell, Tyler; Bunting, Lydia; Ballard, Brad (2025). SPLASH Field Study; CLAMPS2 Doppler Lidar VAD Data (NCEI Accession 0304717). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/rpx2-t532. Accessed [date].
Data License
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • 2025-06-04T20:01:17Z - NCEI Accession 0304717 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • Parameter or Variable: base_time (measured); Units: second; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Seconds (since 00 UTC 1 Jan 1970)
  • Parameter or Variable: time_offset (measured); Units: second; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Second (since base_time)
  • Parameter or Variable: hour (measured); Units: hour; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Hours since 00UTC this day
  • Parameter or Variable: height (measured); Units: km; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: km AGL
  • Parameter or Variable: wspd (measured); Units: m/s; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: m/s, wind speed
  • Parameter or Variable: wdir (measured); Units: degree; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Deg, wind direction
  • Parameter or Variable: rms (measured); Units: m/s; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: m/s, RMS between observed velocity & VAD fitted value
  • Parameter or Variable: intensity (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Unitless, SNR+1
  • Parameter or Variable: lat (measured); Units: degrees N; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Deg N, latitude
  • Parameter or Variable: lon (measured); Units: degrees W; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: Deg W, longitude
  • Parameter or Variable: alt (measured); Units: meter; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Halo Streamline XR+ and Doppler lidar (DL); Sampling and Analyzing Method: m MSL, altitude above mean sea level
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • LIDAR
Last Modified: 2026-02-06T16:03:38Z
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