Site log - Darwin (Jan 1998)
Flags:
1-Satellite coincidence data
2-Scan in TSDIS data
3-Scan not in TSDIS data
A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage)
B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very little coverage)
**************************************************************************************************
01 Jan 98:    Scattered convection early on quickly organizes into an impressive leading line/
              trailing stratiform convective system which treks off to the NE over the
              course of the day.
              Data processed:  0711-1136 Z
                               1332-2348 Z
              Satellite coincidence:  0936Z(127 km), 1920Z(429 km)
              QC notes:  0711-0800Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0824-0924Z: removal of light precipitation
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  light precip was re-introduced to the field but unfortunately so was
                                     some moderate clutter from both Gunn Pt and Melville Island.  It I
                                     increased the parameters to remove the clutter, the light precip was
                                     also removed.  So, the clutter had to remain....hence the major flag.
                         0936-0948Z: intense clutter specks remaining near radar
   1B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not removed small clutter specks without removing precip.
                                     Although the specks are small, they are intense...hence the B+ flag.
                         1024-1036Z: moderate AP remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1136Z: intense clutter embedded within precip near radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  it is impossible to remove AP embedded in precip without removing the
                                     precip as well. The AP stays and the VOS is given a major flag. VOS
                                     1136Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory so as not to be
                                     included in TSDIS ingest.
                         1332-1445Z: weak/moderate AP remaining immediately NW of radar, mostly embedded
                                     in precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  all the VOS's where the AP was embedded in precip are a lost cause
                                     (see above flag). Could not remove the AP from the non-embedded VOS's
                                     either....the AP was wedged in the smallest clear zone between
                                     showers so it might as well be embedded. Any attempt to remove this
                                     AP results in the removal of precip as well. Very frustrating....
                                     given a major flag.
                         1459-1600Z: moderate/intense clutter from northern islands remaining
   2B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved.  Prominent island ground clutter has been removed
                                     from majority of VOS's in this time period. Minor flag is for the
                                     weak clutter specks which still persist in 2-3 VOS's....this can
                                     still be considered a success.
                         1524-1536Z: intense AP embedded within line
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  Once again, can not remove AP which is embedded within precip. Thus,
                                     the intense AP near the radar remains and the VOS's are given a
                                     major flag.  Moved VOS 1536Z to bad_files_not_12C.hdf directory
                                     which downgraded the flag from a 2 to a 3.
                         1612-1624Z: intense clutter over radar remains, some embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  only marginally improved.  Nothing could be done about the intense
                                     clutter specks embedded in the precipitation. Was able to slightly
                                     reduce the coverage of the AP outside of the precip but some
                                     non-embedded AP still remains. This latter false echo could not be
                                     removed without drastically reducing the precip in the field.
                         1624-1748Z: intense clutter speck W of radar, often embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove intense specks embedded in precip....that is always
                                     impossible with this algorithm.  But, even stand-alone AP could not
                                     be removed with the normal fail-safe parameters because of the large
                                     aerial coverage of light precip.  Any attempts to remove the AP
                                     drastically reduced the light precip in the field.  Therefore, the
                                     AP/clutter was left untouched and given a major flag.
                         1648-1700Z: intense clutter near radar embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  AP embedded in precip can not be fixed and is always given a major
                                     flag....such is the case here.
                         1700-1736Z: moderate island clutter NW of radar remains; often embedded
                                     within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove/reduce island clutter specks without removing light
                                     precipitation from the field.  These VOS's were already given major
                                     flags for a different problem (see previous QC notes involving this
                                     time period)....add this problem to it and it makes you want to stand
                                     even further away from them.
                         1812-1836Z: moderate AP remaining near radar
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  only slightly improved and still deserves a major flag. The AP shield
                                     immediately west of the radar is often embedd in precip and even when
                                     it is not, it is difficult to remove without removing significant
                                     amounts of light precip.  So, the AP was reduced but a significant
                                     amount still remains.
                         1824-2112Z: intense clutter speck W of radar remains, often embedded within
                                     precip
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  when the speck is not embedded within precip it is removed. But, this
                                     was not the case for most of the VOS's....the intense clutter is
                                     mostly embedded within precip and the only thing that can be done
                                     for this scenario is to give it a major flag.
                         1924-2224Z: moderate/intense AP/clutter remains near radar, often embedded
                                     within convection
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  slightly improved, but AP remains, embedded and not-embedded within
                                     precip. Any attempt to remove embedded AP is a lost cause but even
                                     the stand-alone AP was only slightly reduced because any more
                                     aggressive attacks started removing significant amounts of precip.
***************************************************************************************************
02 Jan 98:    Widespread convection from 00 --> 17Z moving North over the radar.  Several lines with
              moderate / intense convection move directly over radar.  An additional small
              area of convection develops E of radar at far range ~2336Z.
              Data Processed:  0000-0112Z
                               0309-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0824Z(518km), 1808Z( 208km)
              QC notes:  0000-0436Z: moderate/intense island clutter specks NW of radar, occasionally
                                     embedded within light/moderate precip.  Also, intense clutter
                                     specks near radar embedded within light precip.
2A,2B,3A,3B   !!FLAG!!        ---->  Limited success in removing AP close to radar and near island to
                                     the north.  The tradeoff is that some minor shower activity was
                                     removed.  The majority (95%) of the precip echo remains in-tact.
                                     Stronger parameters could not be implemented because too much precip
                                     was being removed. Some major and some minor clutter specks still
                                     exist near and to the NW of the radar in every VOS in this time period.
                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         0448-0524Z: Intense clutter specks near radar embedded in light/moderate precip.
3A            !!FLAG!!        0448Z: Some clutter specks were removed (along with a couple minor showers)
                                     but intense clutter specks still remain.  Clutter is embedded in
                                     light to moderate showers.  Stronger parameters cannot be used because
                                     too much precip will be removed.
                              0500Z: Corrected.
3A            !!FLAG!!   0512-0524Z: Some clutter specks were removed (along with a couple minor showers)
                                     but intense clutter specks still remain.  Clutter is embedded in
                                     light to moderate showers.  Stronger parameters cannot be used because
                                     too much precip will be removed.
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         0536-0700Z: Moderate AP from Melville Island (NW of Gunn Pt.)  Also, some
                                     intense clutter specks embedded within light/moderate precip
                                     near radar.
2A,3A,2B,3B   !!FLAG!!        ---->  AP from Melville Island was almost entirely removed.  Some light/
                                     moderate AP remains.  Intense clutter specks embedded within light/
                                     moderate precip near radar continues to be a problem which cannot
                                     be resolved.  This clutter can only be removed at the expense of
                                     removing the precip also.  Therefore, these clutter specks remain.
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1A            !!FLAG!!        0836Z: Moderate/Intense clutter specks near radar with embedded precip.
                                     Clutter cannot be removed without removing precip, therefore,
                                     clutter remains.
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   0912-1000Z: Moderate/Intense clutter specks near radar embedded within light /
                                     moderate precip.  Because the clutter is embedded within precip, it
                                     cannot be removed without removing the precip also - clutter remains.
3A            !!FLAG!!   1012-1036Z: Intense AP SW of radar could not be removed due to the presence of
                                     light precip near radar.  The 1036Z uf file was placed in a "bad files"
                                     directory so it would not be ingested by TSDIS.  This changes the flag
                                     to type 3.
                              1124Z: Intense AP E of radar (not embedded in precip
                              ---->  Corrected
2B,3A         !!FLAG!!   1300-1312Z: Intense clutter specks near radar.  These specks cannot be removed
                                     due to proximity of light/moderate precip. If stronger parameters are
                                     used, precip echos are removed, therefore, clutter remains.  The 1300Z
                                     file has been placed in "bad files" directory so it is not sent to TSDIS.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1336-1548Z: Intense clutter specks near radar embedded in light/moderate precip.
                                     Also, moderate/intense island clutter NW of radar.
3B            !!FLAG!!        1612Z: Small patch of AP SW of radar at far range cannot be removed due to presence
                                     of precip surrounding radar.  The AP is minor in coverage compared to the
                                     widespread precip.
                         1700-1712Z: Small patch of moderate AP W of radar at far range.
                              ---->  Corrected - a couple minor showers were also removed, but the tradeoff is
                                                 worth it.  I was able to remove the AP because it was not
                                                 embedded in precip and there was no intervening precip between
                                                 radar and AP.
                         1748-1800Z: Small patches of AP SE and W of radar at mid/far range (not embedded)
                              ---->  Corrected - a couple minor showers were also removed, but the tradeoff is
                                                 worth it.  I was able to remove the AP because it was not
                                                 embedded in precip and there was no intervening precip between
                                                 radar and AP.
                         1812-1924Z: Moderate/Intense AP surrounding radar.  The tail end of a squall line
                                     is still evident at far range N of radar.
                              ---->  Corrected - all AP was removed and the majority of the squall line was
                                                 left in-tact.  This was a success!
                         1936-2148Z: Moderate/Intense AP surrounding radar - no precip.
                              ---->  Corrected
***************************************************************************************************
03 Jan 98:    Scattered convection from 00Z ~ 1130Z.  Isolated convection at far range 22Z ~ 23Z
              Data Processed:  0000-1224Z
                               1500-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0848Z(315km), 1832Z(632km)
              QC notes:
2A,2B,3B      !!FLAG!!   0200-0236Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar.  This AP cannot be
                                      removed due to proximity of precip.  Harsh parameter setting appear
                                      to only remove precip echo without removing false echo. QC alg
                                      behaves poorly.
                              0300Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected
                              0312Z:  Minor clutter specks near radar and intense speck near islands to NW.
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         0336-0548Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar, and occasionally to the
                                      W of radar. (moderate in intensity, but not coverage)
                              ---->   Corrected except for flags below
3A            !!FLAG!!        0348Z:  Moderate clutter NW of radar cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
2B            !!FLAG!!        0400Z:  Minor clutter speck NW of radar cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         0636-0648Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                              0712Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                         0736-0748Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                         0848-0900Z:  Moderate AP from islands to the NW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                              0936Z:  Light AP SW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - a couple minor showers removed in the process, but it is
                                                  worth the tradeoff.
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        0948-1148Z:  Moderate/Intense AP surrounding radar and from islands to North. Real
                                     precip echo exiting scope to the NE of radar.
2A,3A,2B      !!FLAG!!  0948-1100Z:  AP could not be entirely removed due to presence of precip.  Some AP was
                                     successfully removed.  Harsher parameters results in the removal of real echo.
                        1112-1148Z:  Corrected
                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         1200-2348Z:  AP of varying intensities surrounding radar - no precip.
                              ---->   Corrected.
*************************************************************************************************************
04 Jan 98:    Isolated convection W of radar at far range 00 ~ 0230Z.  Isolated convection develops S of radar
              near 05Z and dissipates by 11Z.  More isolated convection NW of radar from ~14Z to 16Z.  No other
              significant precip for the remainder of day.
              Data Processed:  0000-1224Z
                               1412-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0053Z(543km), 1037Z(235km),
              QC notes:
                             0036Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar
                             ---->   Corrected - a minor shower was removed in the process, but it
                                                 is worth the trade-off.
                             0200Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar
                             ---->   Corrected
                        0224-0236Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar
                             ---->   Corrected - a minor shower was removed in the process, but it
                                                 is worth the trade-off.
                             0500Z:  Moderate clutter speck near radar.
                             ---->   Corrected
                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        0612-0748Z:  Light AP SW of radar (with moderate/intense convection nearby)
                             ---->   Corrected except for minor flag below - a couple very minor showers
                                     were removed in the process, but it was worth the trade-off.
2B            !!FLAG!!       0700Z:  Very minor AP at far range could not be removed without removing
                                     real precip echo.  It is questionable as to whether this VOS should
                                     be flagged at all.
                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             0912Z:  Intense clutter speck near radar.
                             ---->   Corrected
1A,2A         !!FLAG!!  1012-1036Z:  Intense clutter near radar embedded within light precip.
                             ---->   Intense clutter cannot be removed because it is embedded in precip.
                                     All attempts to remove clutter also remove significant precip,
                                     therefore, clutter remains.
                        1124-1412Z:  Light/Moderate AP E and W of radar - no precip.
                             ---->   Corrected
2A,2B,3A,3B   !!FLAG!!  1424-1512Z:  Moderate AP E of radar at far range (with precip to NW).
                             ---->   AP cannot be removed due to presence of precip.  Harsh parameters
                                     remove both real and false echo.
                        1524-1600Z:  Moderate island clutter NW (with precip NW of radar)
                             ---->   Corrected - 1548Z and 1600Z VOSs may contain light AP E of radar
                                     at far range.  These echos do have vertical depth and quite possibly
                                     are real precip echo.
                        1612-2348Z:  Light/Moderate AP surrounding radar - no precip
                             ---->   Corrected
***********************************************************************************************************
05 Jan 98:   Scattered convection in NW quadrant through 04Z, then in SE quadrant after
             06Z. Thin, intense squall line moves in from SE after 09Z.  Continues
             moving to NW and weakens through 1130Z.  A brief flare-up in the NE segment
             of the squall line occurs between 1312-1424Z, then quickly dissipates.
             Scattered convection mostly in SW quadrant after 18Z, then a large
             convective complex forms after 21Z.
              Data Processed:  0000-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0800Z(498km), 1607Z(629km),
              QC notes:  0000-0036Z:  Clutter specks near radar and embedded AP to NW.
 2B, 3B  !!FLAG!!             ---->   Clutter specks near radar fixed, as well as some
                                      AP to NW.   Still may be some embedded AP,though.
                              0100Z:  Clutter specks near radar and embedded AP to NW.
                              ---->   Corrected
                              0248Z:  Embedded AP to NW.
 3B  !!FLAG!!                 ---->   Able to shave away some of the AP around the cores
                                      of the precipitation (upper tilts distinctly show
                                      the vertical structure of some cells near the islands
                                      to the NW). Still appears to be some embedded AP,
                                      though.
                         0324-0336Z:  AP to NW
 2B, 3B !!FLAG!!              ---->   Most of the AP eliminated, but still appears to be
                                      some embedded AP.
                              0448Z:  AP to NW
                              ---->   Corrected
                         0500-0724Z:  Light AP to S and E.
                              ---->   Corrected
                         2000-2012Z:  Embedded moderate AP to NW.
 2B, 3B !!FLAG!!              ---->   Some AP removed, but still some embedded AP that is
                                      difficult to remove without adversely affecting the
                                      precip in the SW quadrant.
                              2100Z:  Moderate to intense AP to NW.
                              ---->   Corrected
                              2200Z:  AP speck to NW.
                              ---->   Corrected
 3A    !!FLAG!!               2224Z:  Embedded intense AP to SW
****************************************************************************************************
06 Jan 98:    Considerable area of convection and stratiform precipitation west of radar early on
              but out of range by 03Z.  Another region of convection skirts the SW fringe of the
              scope around 16Z and is completely out of range by 20Z. Widely scattered convection
              finishes out the day.
              Data processed:  0000-0300 Z
                               0448-2348 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0647Z, 1631Z
              QC notes:  0000-0012Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter speck remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0548-1036Z: second-trip echo remaining
 1B,2B        !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved and almost completely corrected except for some
                                     renegade weak second-trip splotches remaining in a handful of VOS's.
                                     These splotches could not be removed without affecting light precip
                                     cells present.  Problem is considered minor.
                         1048-1124Z: second-trip echo remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1136-1148Z: second-trip echo remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1512Z: second-trip echo remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1712-1736Z: second-trip echo remaining
   2B-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved but still a couple of weak splotches of 2nd-trip
                                     remaining in the final two VOS's of this time period.  A very
                                     minor problem.
                              2324Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter speck remaining
   3A-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove intense speck because (1) it is embedded in
                                     light precip moving over the radar nad (2) the light precip present
                                     in this scan curtails any aggressive parameter manipulations.
****************************************************************************************************
07 Jan 98:    Widely scattered showers and convective cells N of the radar early on.  No significant
              precipitation after these showers dissipate.
              Data processed:  0000-1500 Z
                               2236-2348 Z
              Satellite coincidence:  0711Z, 1519Z
              QC notes:  0512-0524Z: weak island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0636-0748Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0800-0900Z: second-trip echo remaining E of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1112-1312Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1336-1400Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1436Z: scattered moderate AP specks remaining
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but could not completely remove AP without significantly
                                     affecting precipitation present.  Problem is minor and VOS has
                                     been moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory...hence the 3B flag
                         1448-1500Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
****************************************************************************************************
08 Jan 98:    Convection and moderate showers form along the SE fringe of the scope early on (~07Z)
              and move off to the N and increase in coverage.  This precip, along with some hectors,
              dissipate by 15Z.  Convection once again fires east of the radar around 20 Z.  Soon
              after this, convective cells begin firing over the rest of the mainland and persist
              through the end of the day.
              Data processed:  0000-2348 Z
              Satellite coincidence:  0559Z(64 km), 1542Z(364 km)
              QC notes:  0324-0912Z: second-trip echo remaining
   2B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved.  The only negative was that some small splotches
                                     of weak second-trip could not be removed from a handful of VOS's.
                                     Any more aggressive approach resulted in the removal of precip, but
                                     only flagged as minor because (1) the AP is weak and of little
                                     aerial coverage and (2) only a small minority of the VOS's in this
                                     time period are affected.
                         0436-0500Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1224-1448Z: second-trip echo giving way to horrifically intense AP, often
                                     embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  second-trip fully corrected...unfortunately, this was the much
                                     smaller problem.  The intense AP problem was improved in that
                                     most of the non-embedded AP was removed but there is a significant
                                     amount of embedded, intense AP remaining....hence the major flag.
****************************************************************************************************
09 Jan 98:    Strong convection and copious amounts of rainfall present early on but moves out
              of range or dissipates by 09Z.  Scattered showers and convection left in the wake of
              early day storms.  Convection really picks up strength and coverage by day's end.
              Data processed:  0000-2348 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0446Z(587 km), 1430Z(275 km)
              QC notes:  0036-0100Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0200-0248Z: horrifically intense AP and clutter embedded within precip
                                     near and E of radar
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved but intense AP still remains.  All embedded AP remains
                                     since nothing can ever be done to remove embedded false echo
                                     with this algorithm.  Some non-embedded intense AP splotches
                                     also remain (although a considerable amount was removed)
                         0300-0312Z: intense clutter specks remaining near radar
                             ----->  clutter
                         0336-0436Z: intense AP embedded in precip SW of radar
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that all the non-embedded AP was removed. But,
                                     still given a major flag due to all the intense AP still
                                     present and embedded in precip...nothing can be done about that
                                     short of removing precip as well.
                         0336-0636Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks embedded in precip
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  all non-embedded clutter removed but a major flag is still
                                     given for all the embedded clutter which remains.
                         0500-0600Z: intense AP remaining E of radar, often embedded in precip
 1A,2A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  all non-embedded clutter removed but a major flag is still
                                     given for all the embedded clutter which remains.
                         0700-0948Z: horrifically intense AP remaining N of radar, mostly
                                     embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved and still ghastly and in need of a major
                                     flag.  Almost all non-embedded AP was removed but VOS's
                                     duing this time period are still basically unusable for
                                     the significant amounts of intense, embedded AP
                                     remaining behind.  Nothing can be done about embedded
                                     AP except blowing everything away (which is not an option)
                         1212-1224Z: moderate clutter/AP remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1300-1312Z: moderate AP splotch remaining E of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1348Z: moderate AP splotch remaining E of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1348-1436Z: second-trip echo remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1524-1612Z: second-trip echo remaining SW of radar
   2B-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  a couple VOS's still contain a splotch of weak second-trip which could
                                     not be removed without compromising precip also present at the time.
                                     Very small problem...almost negligible.
                         1648-1748Z: scattered weak/moderate AP remaining E of radar
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  the improvement of this time period can be broken down into two
                                     categories:
                                        1648-1724Z: vastly improved but still some isolated AP splotches
                                                    of moderate intensity in the field.
                                        1736-1748Z: AP much weaker to begin with during these VOS's but little
                                                    could be done to remove it due to the rapid development
                                                    of small shower cells which were very sensitive to
                                                    parameter tweaking.  AP left in.
                         1812-1936Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining E of radar
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved but still bad enough to earn a major flag.  Could not
                                     further remove remaining AP (which is often intense) without greatly
                                     affecting precip also present in the field. Moved VOS 1936Z to
                                     bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                         2148-2224Z: intense clutter splotch remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2212-2224Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining, embedded within
                                     precip
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  embedded AP can not be corrected.  Clutter specks within precip
                                     are small but at the same time intense.
****************************************************************************************************
10 Jan 98:    Early on, widespread convection and showers with locally heavy rainfall.  Some of the
              cells look pretty impressive. Convection begins to shrink in coverage and decrease in
              reflectivity by 09Z. More isolated convective cells begin firing around 17Z and
              persist until the end of the day.
              Data processed:  0000-2348 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0510Z(244km), 1453Z(553km)
              QC notes:  0124-0136Z:  Minor clutter specks NW of radar (moderate/intense precip nearby)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed;
                                                  a couple minor showers were removed in the process
                         0512-0536Z:  Moderate clutter NW of radar (moderate/intense precip nearby)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed;
                                                  a couple minor showers were removed in the process
3B            !!FLAG!!        0548Z:  Intense clutter specks near radar
                              ---->   Clutter cannot be removed due to presence of precip near radar.
                                      60 dBZ clutter, but coverage is very minor therefore a B flag
                                      is warrented.
                              0624Z:  Intense clutter specks near radar
                              ---->   Corrected
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         1000-1248Z:  Light/Moderate AP surrounding radar at various ranges
                                      (some precip nearby) - AP is not embedded.
                                      The 1000Z VOS contains intense AP
                              ---->   Corrected except for flags below - some light showers were
                                      removed in the process
3A            !!FLAG!!        1012Z:  Intense AP S of radar cannot be entirely removed due to presence
                                      of precip near radar.
3A            !!FLAG!!        1100Z:  Intense AP S of radar cannot be entirely removed due to presence
                                      of precip near radar.  This uf file has been placed in a "bad_files"
                                      directory so it will not be included in 1C.HDF for TSDIS.  Therefore,
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         1300-1512Z:  Moderate/Intense AP - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   1524-1712Z:  Moderate/Intense AP SW of radar embedded in developing precip.
                              ---->   AP cannot be removed without removing precip.
                         1924-1948Z:  Moderate/Intense AP SE of radar (not embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                                      A couple minor showers were removed in the process.
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   2236-2324Z:  Moderate clutter SW of radar masked by light/moderate precip
                              ---->   Clutter cannot be removed because it is embedded within precip.
**********************************************************************************************************
11 Jan 98:    Unorganized convection moving west to east throughout the day.  No precipitation after
              1848Z.
              Data processed:  0000-0124 Z
                               0812-1848 Z
                               2236-2348 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0357Z(399 km), 1341Z(98 km)
              QC notes:  0000-0024Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0048-0124Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar, often embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about AP embedded within precipitation.  The
                                     intense clutter splotch west of the radar is embedded within precip
                                     during this time period and therefore remains...hence the major flag.
                         0836-0900Z: moderate island clutter splotch remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0936-1336Z: moderate island clutter remaining (NW of radar)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1424-1436Z: moderate island clutter remaining (NW of radar)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1836-1848Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining
                             ----->  corrected
************************************************************************************************************
12 Jan 98:    Unorganized convection over Mainland and strong convective cluster over Islands, early on.
              By 08Z, convection over Islands weakens but cells over land merge to form strong cluster,
              located east of Gunn Point. This strong convection is gone by 16Z, leaving only scattered
              cells for the rest of the day.
              Data processed:  0000-2348 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0421Z(418 km), 1228Z(710 km), 1404Z(741 km)
              QC notes:  0348-0912Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         2200-2236Z: scattered weak AP remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              2312Z: moderate clutter splotch remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected
*************************************************************************************************************
13 Jan 98:    Scattered, unorganized convection develops ~02Z in various directions surrounding radar.
              A large convective cluster develops over the Islands (N of radar) near 05Z.  By 12Z, all
              convective activity has diminished.  No additional activity for the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0308Z(212km), 1252Z(86km)
              QC notes:  0536-0748Z:  Moderate Island clutter masked by light/mod/intense precip echo.
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!        ---->   This is a very bad combination.  The clutter cannot be
                                      removed without also removing the real precip echo.  In this
                                      particular case, a minor flag is given because the precip echo
                                      is almost the same dBZ magnitude as the clutter.  The precip is
                                      masking the clutter.
                         2136-2324Z:  Scattered light AP - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected
*************************************************************************************************************
14 Jan 98:    Scattered convection develops ~05Z and dissipates by 10Z.  An isolated convective cluster
              moves into the radar scope from the S near 13Z and dissipates by 1530Z.
              Data Processed:  0000-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0332Z(597km), 1140Z(530km)
              QC notes:  0200-0400Z:  Scattered light AP - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         1036-1224Z:  Moderate / Intense AP at far range - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         1236-1536Z:  Moderate AP at far range with convective cluster at far range
                                      (not embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed while precip remains in-tact!!
                         1548-2348Z:  Occasional Light / Moderate AP surrounding radar - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
*************************************************************************************************************
15 Jan 98:    Scattered convection develops near 05Z and dissipates by 09Z.  New convection appears on
              the radar scope ~ 0930Z quickly moving from SE to NW.  By 16Z, numerous convective clusters
              are present E and S of radar.  Clusters combine to form one large squall line which propagates
              NW.  By 1924Z, a moderate sized area of stratiform precip develops behind the squall line and
              then detaches from it. By ~23Z, the squall line has exited the radar scope and the stratiform
              shield has dissipated over the radar.
              Data Processed:  0000-0200Z
                               0500-0600Z
                               0709-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0220Z(15km), 1204Z(284km)
              QC notes:  0500-0600Z:  Moderate intensity Island clutter NW of radar (scattered convection nearby)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed
                              1324Z:  Moderate intensity Island clutter NW of radar (scattered convection nearby)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed
                              1400Z:  Moderate intensity Island clutter NW of radar (scattered convection nearby)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed
                         1436-1812Z:  Moderate/Intense clutter near radar when convection develops very near radar
                                      and moves directly over radar.  Some minor Island clutter NW of radar is also
                                      present in a few of these VOSs.
                              ---->   Some clutter was removed (at the expense of removing a few light showers).
                                      The intense clutter could not be removed without removing too much real
                                      precip echo.  The minor island clutter was removed.
2A,2B,        !!FLAG!!   1448-1648Z:  Moderate/Intense clutter near radar cannot be removed due to the presence
                                      of precip.
2B            !!FLAG!!        1836Z:  Intense clutter specks embedded within light precip near radar (minor
                                      coverage).  Because the clutter is embedded, it cannot be removed without
                                      also removing the precip.
                              2048Z:  Intense clutter speck near radar (not embedded in precip)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         2112-2148Z:  Moderate/Intense Island clutter NW of radar (not embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed.  Some minor showers at far range were also
                                      removed in the process.
                         2212-2312Z:  Moderate/Intense AP surrounding radar.  Some AP embedded within light
                                      /moderate precip shield.  Island clutter NW of radar
                              ---->   Some AP was removed ( along with a few light showers).  AP could not
                                      be totally removed due to the presence of precip.  Island clutter was
                                      mostly removed.  See flags below.
3A            !!FLAG!!        2212Z:  Intense AP at far range cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   2224-2248Z:  Moderate AP  at far range cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!        2300Z:  Intense AP at moderate/far range cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
                         2312-2348Z:  Intense AP - no significant precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
*************************************************************************************************************
16 Jan 98:    Scattered covection develops mainly S of radar near 02Z.  By 04Z, the main activity  remains S
              of radar while some isolated convection develops N of radar near Melville Island.  This activity
              dissipates by 0824Z.  New isolated convective cells develop E of radar near 0836Z and dissipate
              by 1148Z.  No additional activity for the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0108Z(666km), 1052Z(347km)
              QC notes:  0000-0036Z:  Scattered moderate/intense AP surrounding radar - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         0736-0812Z:  Light second trip echo S of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - false echo removed - a couple minor showers also removed
                                      in the process
                         1024-1048Z:  Light second trip echo SE of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - false echo removed - a couple minor showers also removed
                                      in the process
                         1200-2348Z:  Scattered moderate/intense AP surrounding radar - no significant precip.
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
*************************************************************************************************************
17 Jan 98:    Isolated convection E of radar from 00 ~ 01Z.  Scattered convection develops mainly S of radar
              (over land) near 03Z, and quickly organizes into large convective clusters by 06Z.  Additional
              convection forms near Melville Island N of radar.  Precip moves slowly to the E and NE.  By 10Z,
              convection has diminished greatly in coverage and intensity and is now in a scattered pattern.
              There is a large gap in the data flow after 10Z.  The next image is 2148Z, and shows a large area
              of intense convection with a trailing stratiform shield directly over radar.  Precip moves NW while
              additional intense convection and heavy stratiform rain develops W and SW of radar.  This pattern
              continues through the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-1000Z
                               2148-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0132Z(175km), 1116Z(481km)
              QC notes:       0024Z:  Moderate clutter speck near radar
                              ---->   Corrected - speck removed
                         0336-1000Z:  Moderate clutter from Melville Island NW of radar, also occasional
                                      second trip echo S of radar at far range.
                              ---->   Corrected - island clutter and second trip echo removed.  A few minor
                                      showers were also removed in the process.  Only one flag - see below.
2B            !!FLAG!!        0336Z:  Minor clutter speck near Melville Island could not be removed without
                                      also removing a significant amount of real precip echo.
                         2148-2348Z:  Intense clutter specks near radar masked by moderate/intense precip.
                                      There is no qc fix for this problem.  No flags are given because precip
                                      coverage is widespread and virtually the same intensity as the clutter.
*************************************************************************************************************
18 Jan 98:    Widespread convection with trailing stratiform shield mainly W and SW of radar propagating NE
              from 00~05Z.  Scattered convection and light showers continue after 05Z and dissipate by 09Z.
              An isolated convective cell is N of radar at far range near 16Z.  Scattered light showers
              develop W of radar near 1724Z.  These showers move E and continue for the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-2348Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0020Z(467km), 1003Z(161km)
              QC notes:  0000-0248Z:  Moderate/Intense clutter specks near radar masked by moderate/intense precip.
                                      There is no qc fix for this problem.  No flags are given because precip
                                      coverage is widespread and virtually the same intensity as the clutter.
                         0348-0436Z:  Moderate clutter near radar and NW from Melville Island (not embedded)
                              ---->   Partially corrected - Clutter near radar could not be entirely removed
                                      due to presence of light precip.  Island clutter was completely removed.
3B            !!FLAG!!        0348Z:  Moderate clutter near radar cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
2B            !!FLAG!!        0400Z:  Moderate clutter near radar cannot be removed due to presence of precip.
                         0548-0612Z:  Moderate clutter specks near radar with very light second trip echo
                                      at far range W of radar.
                              ---->   Partially corrected - Cluter reduced in intensity and coverage.  Second
                                      trip echo removed.  A few minor showers were removed in the process.
2B            !!FLAG!!        0600Z:  Moderate clutter specks remain.  Coverage is minor.  Clutter cannot be
                                      entirely removed due to the presence of precip.
3B            !!FLAG!!        0612Z:  Moderate clutter specks remain.  Coverage is minor.  Clutter cannot be
                                      entirely removed due to the presence of precip.
                         1024-1436Z:  Moderate/Intense AP S and E of radar - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         1448-1636Z:  Scattered light AP SE of radar at far range (with lone precip cell NW
                                      at far range)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed.  The lone precip cell diminished to 10 dBZ by
                                      1612Z and was also removed with the AP.
                         1724-1812Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar (some embedded in light precip
                                      -bad combination for qc)
                              ---->   Clutter could successfully be removed from the 1812Z VOS only.  When
                                      attempts were made to remove clutter from the other VOSs, too much
                                      precip was removed without removing any clutter.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1724-1800Z:  Clutter cannot be removed because it is embedded in light precip
                         1900-2048Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar (some embedded in light precip
                                      -bad combination for qc)
                              ---->   2000-2048Z VOSs corrected - clutter removed.
                                      1900-1948Z - Clutter embedded within light precip - no qc fix
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1900-1948Z:  Mod/Intense clutter embedded within light precip.  Clutter cannot
                                      be removed without also removing precip.
*************************************************************************************************************
19 Jan 98:    Isolated convection N of radar near Melville Island at the beginning of the day evolves into
              widespread convection and convective clusters surrounding the radar by 04Z.  By ~07Z, the
              convective activity N of radar tends to diminish in intensity and coverage while more widespread
              and intense convection develops over land S of radar.  This activity propogates NE but tends to
              remain mostly W of radar.  A stratiform shield forms in the wake of the convection but quickly
              diminishes in coverage as it approaches the radar.  By ~12Z, more intense convection comes into
              view at far range NW of radar.  After 1230Z, there is a large data gap until 2120Z.  At 2120Z,
              intense convection with a large area of heavy precip is occurring W and NW of radar.  An E-W
              oriented convective line develops S of radar near 2300Z.  Most activity remains W of radar
              through the end of the day.  This is a very active day for the Gunn Pt. radar.
              Data Processed:  0000-1230Z
                               2120-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0044Z(359km), 1027Z(678km), 2331Z(273km)
              QC notes:       0000Z:  Light second trip echo at far range
                              ---->   Corrected - false echo removed
                         0024-0048Z:  Light second trip echo at far range
                              ---->   Corrected - false echo removed
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   0324-0336Z:  Moderate Island clutter embeded within developing convection NW of radar.
                                      This is a bad qc combination.  Because the clutter is embeded, it cannot
                                      be removed without removing significant areas of real precip echo.
                                      These VOSs have been given minor flags because the coverage is small, and
                                      the clutter intensity is virtually the same magnitude as real precip echo
                                      which is very close.
                         1100-1130Z:  Moderate clutter embeded within light precip SW of radar.
                              ---->   The 1100Z image was corrected.  The other VOSs are flagged below.
2A,3A        !!FLAG!!    1110-1130Z:  Clutter could not be removed from these images because it is embeded
                                      within precip.  Coverage is small, but magnitude is large.  A slight
                                      improvement was made to the 1130Z VOS.  Harsher parameter settings only
                                      removed precip echo without removing the clutter.
                         2150-2220Z:  Moderate/intense clutter specks/globs near radar (not embeded)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed or significantly reduced in intensity
                              2340Z:  Intense clutter speck near radar (not embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter speck removed
*************************************************************************************************************
20 Jan 98:    Periods of intense convection and large stratiform precip shields surround radar throughout
              entire day.  This is an extremely active monsoon day.
              Data Processed:  0000-0600Z
                               0706-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0915Z(24km), 2355Z(536km)
              QC notes:  0030-0130Z:  Moderate/intense clutter specks near radar (not embeded)
                              ---->   The 0030Z VOS was the only image where the clutter was removed enough
                                      not to flag.
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   0040-0130Z:  Clutter near radar cannot be entirely removed due to presence of precip.
                                      Stronger parameters only removed the precip and not the clutter.  These
                                      VOSs have been given a "B" flag because moderate/heavy precip is close
                                      to the radar during these times, and the clutter should have very little
                                      affect on rain maps.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0340-0600Z:  Intense AP embeded within light precip shield NW of radar.
                                      There is no QC solution to this problem.  Entire period must be flagged.
3A            !!FLAG!!   0706-0712Z:  Sector scanning only in these two VOSs.  A large precip area
                                      is missing from these VOSs.  The corresponding uf files have
                                      been placed in a "bad_files" directory so that they will not
                                      be bundled into 1C.HDF for TSDIS ingest.
                         0730-0810Z:  Moderate island clutter NW of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected - clutter removed
                         0830-0910Z:  Moderate/intense clutter near radar and just to the SW of radar.
                              ---->   Clutter reduced or removed in all VOSs. However, some clutter remains
                                      and cannot be removed due to presence of precip - see flags below
2B            !!FLAG!!        0830Z:  Clutter specks remain near radar and cannot be removed due to presence
                                      of precip.
2A            !!FLAG!!        0840Z:  Instense clutter near radar remains and cannot be removed without also
                                      removing significant areas of precip.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1000-1240Z:  Moderate/Intense AP embeded within light precip NW of radar.
                                      There is no QC solution to this problem.  Entire period must be flagged.
                         1250-1810Z:  Moderate/intense AP NW of radar near island (some embeded)
                              ---->   Most AP removed - see flag below
                                      A few light showers were removed during the reprocessing.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1620-1630Z:  Moderate AP embeded in light precip NW of radar.  AP cannot be removed
                                      without removing precip.
                         1840-1910Z:  Moderate/intense AP NW of radar near island (not embeded)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed (because it is not embeded)
                                      A few light showers were removed in the reprocessing
*************************************************************************************************************
21 Jan 98:    Widespread convective and stratiform precipitation early on dumps considerable
              amounts of rain over Northern areas of radar scope.  Begins dissipating and
              moving out of the region by 10Z. Scattered showers and convective cells present
              til about 13Z, when another convective impulse moves in from the NW. Impulses of
              convective and stratiform precip continue through to move through the region
              throught the end of the day.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0802Z(593 km), 2242Z(86 km)
              QC notes:  0000-0410Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining, mostly embedded
                                     within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  Embedded AP remains in almost every VOS...nothing can be done
                                     about embedded AP/clutter without removing the precip....hence
                                     the major flag. (even VOS's which had some clutter removed from
                                     one troublespot (i.e., Islands or Gunn Pt.) are still bad because
                                     of embedded clutter or AP some place else in the VOS)
                         0140-0630Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining, mostly
                                     embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  major flag given for intense, embedded clutter and AP which
                                     remains since there is no solution.
                         0300-0400Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining; mostly embedded
                                     within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  embedded clutter remains.  There is no solution for embedded AP
                                     short of removing the precip the AP is embedded in.  THe AP
                                     and precip remains and the VOS's are given major flags.
                         0410-0450Z: intense clutter remaining S of radar; mostly embedded within
                                     precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  embedded AP remains and is flagged as major.
                         0450-0710Z: moderate/intense clutter and AP near radar remaining, mostly
                                     embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  embedded AP remains since it could not be removed without
                                     removing the precip as well....VOS's given major flag
                         0550-1220Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining, mostly embedded
                                     within precip
 1B+,2A       !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that most of the non-embedded clutter was removed.
                                     Unfortunately, most of the clutter was embedded in precip to begin
                                     with and all of this false echo remains.  The coastline of the
                                     islands is often evident as a stationary line of moderate clutter
                                     embedded in the stratiform precipitation north of the radar.
                         1000-1240Z: moderate/intense AP and clutter in and around Gunn Pt.
 2A,2B        !!FLAG!!       ----->  AP and clutter embedded in precip and remains since it is not
                                     desired to remove precipitation. Furthermore, don't be fooled
                                     by the minor flag that things aren't that bad because they
                                     definitely are not peachy....the minor flag is for the last
                                     three VOS's (1220-1240Z) where most but not all of the clutter
                                     was removed....by that I mean that the embedded clutter remains
                                     and the non-embedded clutter was removed.
                              1320Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1340-1410Z: weak/moderate AP near Gunn Pt. remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1350-1410Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1440-1500Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
  2B          !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved....some small specks of moderate clutter in
                                     VOS 1500Z is the reason for the minor flag.  I would move this
                                     Vos to a non-TSDIS inclusive directory but considering how bad this
                                     day has been, I am afraid of what the following VOS holds for us.
                         1510-2350Z: moderate/intense clutter and AP in and around Gunn Pt.
                                     remaining (including clutter splotch W of radar)
 2A,1A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that some of the  non-embedded clutter and AP was
                                     removed but this time period is still riddled with problems. A
                                     significant amount of embedded, moderate/intense AP remains. Recall,
                                     nothing can done to remove embedded AP and keep precipitation. During
                                     the hour surrounding the close TRMM overpass, the intense clutter
                                     splotch W of the radar remains embedded within light precip for the
                                     majority of the VOS's...along with some intense, embedded Gunn Pt.
                                     clutter specks at times....hence the major 1A flag.
                         1650-1820Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
  2A-         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that all non-embedded clutter was successfully
                                     removed.  However, consdierabel embedded clutter remains.  The flag
                                     is an A- rather than the solid major flag because the clutter does
                                     have a small areal coverage and is sometimes masked by the precip
                                     in the vicinity of the Island.  On the other hand, the flag is not
                                     a solid minor flag because the clutter is still considered in the
                                     moderate range (20-35 dB).
                         1930-2030Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  this problem has been corrected but note that these VOS's are
                                     still given a major flag for embedded clutter in and around Gunn
                                     Pt. which remains (see flag for 1510-2350Z time period)
***************************************************************************************************
22 Jan 98:    Light showers with some embedded convection early on (00-03Z).  More widespread
              convective cells begin to fire after 03Z and continue on until roughly 11Z, when
              all convection dissipates or moves out of range. Only widely scattered showers
              for the rest of the day.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0826Z(210 km), 2130Z(746 km)
              QC notes:       0050Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0430-0434Z: sector scan misses convection near Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                                     Moved VOS's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory
                              0440Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0450-0454Z: sector scan misses convection near Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                              0500Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0510-0514Z: sector scan misses convection near Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                              0520Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0530-0534Z: sector scan misses convection near Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                                     Moved VOS's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                              0540Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0550-0554Z  sector scan misses convection near Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                         0600-0640Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0720-0750Z: moderate/intense Island ground clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0810-0840Z: weak/moderate AP immediately W of radar intermingling with
                                     precipitation in this region
   1B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but it appears that some weak AP still borders the
                                     precipitation close to the radar....flagged as minor.
                         1130-1230Z: weak AP remaining SE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1700-1720Z: weak second-trip echo remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2030-2040Z: intense clutter speck W of radar, adjacent to convective cell
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  coorected except for a small clutter specks which still remains
                                     in VOS 2030Z....this VOS moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf and
                                     the entire time period is flagged as minor.
                         2200-2210Z: intense clutter speck W of radar, adjacent to convective cell
                             ----->  corrected
***************************************************************************************************
23 Jan 98:    Strong convection over mainland and Islands early on (~02-09Z). Larger clusters
              begin to dissipate, leaving only widely scattered cells by 10 Z and these to
              are gone shortly thereafter.  A stationary line of cells develops east of the
              radar after 22Z.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0713Z(422 km), 2153Z(94 km)
              QC notes:  0420-0424Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                         0440-0444Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                         0500-0504Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                                     Moved VOS's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                         0520-0524Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                              0530Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0540-0544Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                              0550Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0600-0604Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                                     Moved VOS's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                              0610Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0620-0624Z: sector scan misses strong convection off N. Islands
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about missing precipitation due to
                                     scanning strategy.  Given a major flag for missing precip.
                         0630-0850Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
 1B,2B+       !!FLAG!!       ----->  all non-embedded clutter was completely removed.  Near the time
                                     of the overpass, soem very small clutter specks may still exist
                                     along the very fringe of the precip...hence the 1B flag.  Near
                                     0800Z, more disernible, embedded clutter remains, although the
                                     coverage is small and the clutter is mostly masked by the precip
                                     of same intensity....hence the B+ flag.  VOS 0800Z moced to bad_
                                     files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                         1020-1030Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1050Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1610-1640Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remaining
   2B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved but a small speck of embedded clutter remains in
                                     a couple of the VOS's.  Not a major concern and only draws a
                                     minor flag because the areal coverage is so small and the
                                     reflectivity is roughly equivalent to the clutter, thus acting
                                     like a mask.
**************************************************************************************************
24 Jan 98:    Rapid development of unorganized convective cells early on (00-06Z).  Precipitation
              from this convection begins to dissipate by 07Z and is all but gone by 0930Z.
              New round of convection fires in vicinity of Gunn Pt. around 15Z and is finished
              by ~20Z.  Hints of a larger, more organized system SE of the radar as stratiform
              rain peeks into outer ranges near 20Z.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0737Z(395 km), 2041Z(558 km)
              QC notes:  0000-0120Z: moderate/intense radial spike remnant E of radar; embedded
                                     in a couple of convective cells at times.
   2A-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but some moderate AP remains, embedded in the real
                                     convective cells in the vicinity.  At times, it is difficult
                                     to determine which "cells" are true or false.  This uncertainty
                                     coupled with the AP known to exist is the reason for the A-
                                     flag.
                         0240-0700Z: moderate/intense island clutter (NW of radar) remaining
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, in that almost all non-embedded clutter was removed.
                                     Unfortunately, numerous VOS's contain embedded clutter which can
                                     not be removed with this algorithm without removing the precip
                                     as well.  So, the embedded clutter was left in and this time
                                     period is given a major flag.  VOS 0600Z was moved to the
                                     bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                         0310-0610Z: intense clutter speck W of radar remaining
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ---->   see previous qc note for reason behind this major flag.
                         0400-1410Z: weak second-trip echo remaining E to SE to S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1540-1800Z: weak AP remaining E to SE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1550-1600Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but not completely corrected because VOS 1550Z still
                                     contains a very small speck of clutter which could not be removed.
                                     VOS 1600Z was completely corrected.
                         1710-1740Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but intense clutter embedded in precip remains....hence
                                     the major flag.
                         1830-1920Z: weak AP remaining E to SE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1850-2040Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining; often embedded
                                     within light precipitation
 2A,1A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved but still deserving of a major flag for all the intense
                                     island clutter which remains embedded within precip.  All clutter
                                     no embedded in precip was removed but unfortunatley this
                                     constitutes the minority of clutter which remained after first-
                                     pass level_1 processing....hence the major flag
                         2120-2140Z: moderate/intense island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
**************************************************************************************************
25 Jan 98:    Large stratiform precipitation shield persists along the eastern edge of the scope.
              Around 04Z, convection erupts and intensifies near Gunn Pt. and over the Islands.
              By 07Z, strong convection is also present west of the radar, embedded in the
              stratiform rain shield. From 10-16Z, no convection is present but precip is not
              lacking due to the persistent presence of the stratiform rain shield W-SW of the
              radar.  After 16Z, convection once again fires, with cells soon scattered throughout
              the scope.  The large shield of moderate precipitation moves northward, carving out
              more areal coverage so that by days end, a significant rain event is in progress
              for Northern Australia.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0624Z(249 km), 2104Z(271 km)
              QC notes:       0320Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0340-0400Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0420-0440Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0510-0710Z: moderate/intense Island clutter + moderate AP near Gunn Pt.
                                     remaining
  2A,1A       !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but unfortunatley not enough to avoid a major flag.
                                     The reason for the flag is for moderate AP and moderate/intense
                                     ground clutter which remains embedded within precipitation.
                                     Nothing can be done about embedded AP short of removing
                                     everything, including the precip.
                              0750Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1100Z: moderate Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1230Z: moderate Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1350Z: moderate Island clutter remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1550Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1810-1900Z: Gunn Pt. clutter specks + moderate AP also remaining in this
                                     immediate area
    2A         !!FLAG!!      ----->  slightly improved but unfortunately, most of the AP and clutter
                                     found during this time period was embedded within precip. The
                                     major flag is for the moderate, embedded AP which remains and
                                     could not be removed without removing precipitation.
                         1910-2020Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining
    3A-        !!FLAG!!      ----->  much improved but two VOS's, 1950 and 2000Z, still contain
                                     a speck of moderate clutter which is embedded within precip...
                                     VOS 2000Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory which
                                     leaves us with a 3A- flag.
                         2030-2100Z: weak/moderate AP remaining near radar
 2A-,1A-       !!FLAG!!      ----->  improved but some small splotches of moderate AP remain embedded
                                     within light precipitation.  Flagged as A- which is somewhere
                                     between a major and minor flag because the coverage is so small
                                     and at times masked by precip.
                         2120-2350Z: moderate/intense AP + intense clutter specks in and around
                                     Gunn Pt. (including intense clutter splotch W of radar)
  1A,2A        !!FLAG!!      ----->  improved in that almost all of the non-embedded AP/clutter was
                                     removed. However, there is enough embedded AP/clutter remaining
                                     to warrent major flags...any attempt to remove this embedded false
                                     echo would greatly compromise the precip in the field.
***************************************************************************************************
26 Jan 98:    Widepsread precipitation during the entire day.  Copious rainfall amounts as convective
              cells, clusters, and lines, as well as large stratiform rain shields batter Northern
              Australia.
              Data processed:  0000-2350 Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0648Z(585 km), 1952Z(363 km)
              QC notes:  0000-0200Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter specks and moderate AP near Gunn Pt.
                                     remaining, often embedded within precipitation
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  slightly improved but most of the clutter was embedded in precip to
                                     begin with and therefore never had a solution of its removal (at least
                                     not with this algorithm)....the major flag is for the intense
                                     clutter which remains, embedded within precipitation.
                         0000-0410Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining, often embedded within
                                     precipitation
   2A-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved in that most, if not all, of the non-embbedded ground
                                     clutter was successfully removed.  However, some embedded clutter
                                     still remains and is the reason for the A- flag.
                         0310-0330Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar, often embedded within precip
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing could be done about the clutter splotch since it was
                                     embedded in light precipitation the entire time.  VOS 0330Z was
                                     moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory and the time period was
                                     flagged as major.
                         0530-0610Z: weak/moderate AP and intense clutter specks remain in the vicinity
                                     of Gunn Pt.
   2B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  only a slight improvement in removing AP and clutter.  The remaining
                                     false echo is embedded in precipitation and cannot be removed.
                                     The good news though is that most is masked by precip of similar
                                     intensity and AP which does become discernible possesses a small
                                     areal coverage....these two characteristics are the reason this
                                     time period escaped a major flag.
                         0620-0800Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining, often embedded within
                                     precipitation
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved in that all the clutter before and including 0710
                                     was removed. From 0720-0750Z, moderate clutter becomes embedded
                                     within precip and can not be removed. Fortunately though, the
                                     precip it is embedded in is of relatively similar intensity and
                                     effectively masks most of the clutter....hence the minor flag
                         0630-0730Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remains embedded within light
                                     precipitation
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about embedded ground clutter without removing
                                     the precipitation it is embedded within.  The 1A major flag is for
                                     VOS's 0630-0720Z where the intense splotch is clearly visible in the
                                     light and then moderate precip in this region.
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter or AP without removing
                                     precipitation.  The clutter splotch remains and the VOS's are given
                                     a major flag
                         0910-0920Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remaining, mostly embedded within
                                     precipitation
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved...the only clutter that remains is that which is embedded
                                     within precip....but similar intensities act to mask most of the
                                     false echo and helps the time period escape a major flag
                         1040-1750Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remains embedded within light
                                     precipitation
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter without removing
                                     precipitation.  The Island clutter remains and the VOS's are given
                                     a major flag
                         1100-1620Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar embedded within precip
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter or AP without removing
                                     precipitation.  The clutter splotch and AP remain and the VOS's are
                                     given a major flag. (recall that these VOS's were already flagged as
                                     major becuase of the embedded island ground clutter (see above))
                         1310-1600Z: intense Gunn Pt. clutter and moderate AP in the same vicinity
                                     remain, mostly embedded within precipitation
   2A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  only slight improvement in one or two VOS's, where clutter was on
                                     the edge of the precip and able to be removed. nothing can be done
                                     about embedded clutter or AP without removing precipitation.
                                     The clutter and AP remain and the VOS's are given a major flag.
   3B+        !!FLAG!!        1740Z: sector from ~170-290 degrees void of data in 3rd tilt scan (and
                                     perhaps higher).  Flagged as B+ but keep in mind that this VOS
                                     already has a major flag attached to it do to embedded Island
                                     ground clutter (see above)
                         1830-1940Z: moderate/intense island clutter remains embedded in light precip
   1A          !!FLAG!!      ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter without removing
                                     precipitation.  The Island clutter remains and the VOS's are given
                                     a major flag.
                         2010-2110Z: embedded intense clutter splotch W of radar remains. Also, moderate
                                     AP near the radar remains, embedded within precipitation.
   2A          !!FLAG!!      ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter or AP without removing
                                     precipitation.  The clutter splotch and AP remain and the VOS's are
                                     given a major flag.
                         2150-2350Z: moderate/intense Island clutter remains, embedded within light
                                     precipitation
   2A          !!FLAG!!      ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter without removing
                                     precipitation.  The Island clutter remains and the VOS's are given
                                     a major flag.
                         2300-2350Z: intense clutter splotch W of radar remains, embedded within
                                     precipitation.
   2A          !!FLAG!!      ----->  nothing can be done about embedded clutter or AP without removing
                                     precipitation.  The clutter splotch and AP remain and the VOS's are
                                     given a major flag.
********************************************************************************************************
27 Jan 98:    Widespread convection and light to moderate stratiform rain soak the Darwin area
              throughout the entire day.  Several small convective lines move quickly over the radar
              as larger, slower moving convection and rain shields bubble up from the SW.
              Data Processed:  0000-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0536Z(61km), 2016Z(457km)
              QC notes:
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   0000-0050Z:  moderate/intense clutter SW of radar embeded within light precip-
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing the precip.  This
                                      period has been given a minor flag because moderate convection with
                                      virtually the same magnitude reflectivity is very close.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0210-0230Z:  moderate/intense clutter SW of radar embeded within light precip-
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing the precip.  Therefore,
                                      the clutter remains.
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   0300-0920Z:  moderate/intense clutter NW and SW of radar embeded within light precip-
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing the precip.  Therefore,
                                      the clutter remains.
2B            !!FLAG!!        0930Z:  moderate/intense clutter very close to light precip.  It may be possible
                                      to remove some of this clutter.  Also, moderate clutter near radar.
                                      There is moderate AP just West of the radar in a sector
                                      type pattern.  The AP has 30 dBZ intensity and is somewhat embeded in
                                      light precip.  Some of the clutter was removed, but not all of it.
                         0940-0950Z:  moderate/intense clutter very close to light precip.  It may be possible
                                      to remove some of this clutter.  Also, moderate clutter near radar.
                                      There is moderate AP just West of the radar in a sector
                                      type pattern.  The AP has 30 dBZ intensity and is somewhat embeded in
                                      light precip.
                              ---->   Corrected - Most AP removed.
2A            !!FLAG!!        1000Z:  moderate/intense clutter very close to light precip.  It may be possible
                                      to remove some of this clutter.  Also, moderate clutter near radar.
                                      There is moderate AP just West of the radar in a sector
                                      type pattern.  The AP has 30 dBZ intensity and is somewhat embeded in
                                      light precip.  Some of the clutter was removed, but not all of it.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1010-1240Z:  moderate/intense clutter SW and occasionally NW of radar.  Most of this
                                      clutter is embeded within light precip, therefore, it cannot be removed.
                                      Some additional AP is located just West of radar in a sector type pattern
                                      originating from the radar.  This AP has ~ 30 dBZ magnitude and is also
                                      embeded within precip near the radar.
                                      It may be possible to remove some of the clutter which is not embeded,
                                      but this entire period must be flagged anyway.
                                      Some of the AP from 1010Z -> 1050Z, and from 1140-1200Z was removed.
                         1250-1320Z:  Clutter near radar and NW of radar (not embeded)
                              ---->   Only the 1250 VOS was totally corrected - see flags below
2A,2B         !!FLAG!!   1300-1320Z:  Clutter could not be removed due to presence of precip.  Attempts to remove
                                      clutter resulted in too much precip being removed.  Therefore, these VOSs
                                      must be flagged.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1330-1410Z:  Clutter near radar embeded within light precip.  Some of this clutter is just
                                      the typical specks.  Just to the west of the radar is additional clutter in a
                                      sector pattern.  It has ~ 30 dBZ magnitude and is embed within light/moderate
                                      precip.  It cannot be removed without removing the precip.  Some light precip
                                      near the radar is missing.  An attempt will be  made to restore the missing
                                      precip, but this entire period is flagged due to the embeded clutter.
                              ---->   Precip restored from 1350Z -> 1410Z.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1440-2130Z:  Embeded clutter SW of radar - clutter cannot be removed without also removing
                                      precip.  Also, the 30 dBZ sector type AP West of radar is present in all VOSs.
                                      Most of this AP is embeded within light/moderate precip. and cannot be removed.
                                      This entire period must be flagged.
                              ---->   Some clutter was removed from 2100 -> 2130Z.
                         2140-2330Z:  Moderate clutter near radar and NW of radar from Melville Island.  This clutter
                                      is not embeded, but it is very close to precip which makes it difficult to remove.
                              ---->   Some clutter was removed, but the embeded clutter was not.
                                      See flags below
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   2140-2220Z:  Embeded clutter NW of radar cannot be removed without removing significant
                                      areas of precip.
********************************************************************************************************
28 Jan 98:    Another very active monsoon day in Australia.  From 0000 through ~ 1430Z, a large area of
              stratiform rain with embeded convective cells tends to remain to the S/SW of Gunn Pt. radar,
              while NW-SE oriented lines of intense convection slide to the SE passing near and over the
              radar.  After ~1430Z, the stratiform shield somewhat dissipates while intense convection
              continues to propogate from NW to SE near and over the radar for the remainder of the day.
              By 2120Z, an interesting pattern develops where two intense convective lines (both oriented
              NW-SE) are located to the NE and SW of radar.  There is a break in the action directly over
              the radar site.  By the end of the day (~2350Z), an intense squall line is approaching the
              radar from the SW.
              Data Processed:  0000-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0423Z(669km), 1904Z(166km)
              QC notes:
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0000-0040Z:  Holes in light precip near radar plus intense embedded clutter near radar
                              ---->   Precip restored, but embedded clutter cannot be removed without removing
                                      precip, therefore this period is given a major flag.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0200-0220Z:  Moderate/intense embedded clutter near radar.  Some of this clutter is in
                                      a sector type shape just W of radar.  Because it is embedded within light
                                      precip, it cannot be removed.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0240-0340Z:  Clutter near radar (some embedded).  Some of this clutter is in
                                      a sector type shape just W of radar.  Even though some of this clutter
                                      is not embedded, it cannot be removed without removing significant
                                      areas of light/moderate precip near radar.  Therefore, the clutter
                                      remains and this period is flagged.
                         0730-0820Z:  Moderate/intense clutter near radar as precip moves close to radar.
                                      Also, intense embedded clutter SW of radar from 0750-0820.  An attempt
                                      will be made to remove some of the clutter near the radar.
                                      Embedded clutter NW of radar from Melville Island, and also SW of radar.
                              ---->   Only the 0730 VOS was corrected - clutter removed.  The other VOSs
                                      are flagged below.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0740-0820Z:  Clutter near radar could not be removed due to presence of precip near
                                      radar.  Also, moderate/intense clutter embeded in precip NW and SW of radar
                                      cannot be removed without also removing significant areas of precip.
                                      Therefore, clutter remains and the period is given a major flag.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0830-1020Z:  Moderate/intense clutter embedded within light precip SW of radar.
                                      Some clutter near the radar is also present.
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing precip.
                                      Therefore, the clutter remains and the period is given a major flag.
                         1230-1300Z:  Moderate/intense clutter SW of radar located in a small precip gap.
                              ---->   Some of the clutter was removed.  Sometimes the clutter is located
                                      very close to light precip and cannot be removed without also removing
                                      the precip - see flags below
3A            !!FLAG!!        1240Z:  Clutter SW of radar could not be removed due to proximity to precip and
                                      because it is partially embedded.
2A            !!FLAG!!        1300Z:  Clutter SW of radar could not be entirely removed due to proximity to precip and
                                      and because it is partially embedded.
3A            !!FLAG!!        1410Z:  Intense clutter near radar as precip moves very close.  Clutter cannot be
                                      removed without also removing significant areas of precip.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1530-1620Z:  Moderate/intense clutter near radar.  Clutter is in the form of intense
                                      specks near the radar, and a 30 dBZ sector pattern just West of the radar.
                                      Clutter cannot be removed because it is embedded within light precip.
                         1630-1720Z:  Moderate/intense clutter SW and NW of radar (some of which is not embedded)
                              ---->   Partial correction - some of the clutter was removed.  Some clutter could
                                      not be removed without removing too much precip - see flags below
2A            !!FLAG!!        1630Z:  Intense clutter could not be removed due to presence of precip.
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   1650-1720Z:  Intense clutter could not be removed due to presence of precip.  Some of this
                                      clutter is embedded within light precip.
                         1740-1820Z:  Moderate/intense clutter near radar.  Clutter is also found SW and NW of radar.
                                      Some clutter is embedded and some is not embedded.
                              ---->   Partially corrected - some of the clutter was removed.  1800-1810Z VOSs were
                                      corrected.  The other VOSs could not be completely corrected - see flags
3A            !!FLAG!!   1740-1750Z:  Moderate embedded clutter could not be removed without removing too much
                                      precip.  These VOSs must be flagged.
3A            !!FLAG!!        1820Z:  Intense clutter near radar could not be removed due to proximity of precip.
                         1900-1910Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar (partially embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected!
                         2050-2110Z:  Moderate Island clutter NW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected!
********************************************************************************************************
29 Jan 98:    Widespread moderate/intense convection and heavy stratiform rain from 00 ~ 07Z.
              After ~07Z, the activity becomes more scattered in coverage.  By ~1900Z, an intense
              squall line moves directly over Gunn Pt. radar and weakens.  Scattered convection
              continues for the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0448Z(130km), 1928Z(636km)
              QC notes:
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   0320-0440Z:  Moderate/intense clutter embedded within light precip SW of radar.
                                      Also, some intense clutter specks near radar embedded in light precip.
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing precip, therefore,
                                      the clutter remains and this period is given a major flag.
                         0450-0510Z:  Moderate clutter NW of radar near Melville island (not embedded).
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   1940-2020Z:  Moderate/intense clutter embedded within light precip SW of radar.
                                      Clutter cannot be removed without also removing precip, therefore,
                                      the clutter remains and this period is given a major flag.
                         2030-2100Z:  Moderate clutter NW and SW of radar.  Clutter SW is partially
                                      embedded within light precip, while clutter NW is not embedded.
                              ---->   Partial correction - clutter NW of radar was removed (masked)
                                      while the embedded clutter SW could not be removed without also
                                      removing precip.  See flags below.
                              2130Z:  Small area of intense island clutter NW of radar (not embedded)
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
3B            !!FLAG!!   2040-2050Z:  Light embedded clutter SW of radar cannot be removed without
                                      removing significant precip.
********************************************************************************************************
30 Jan 98:    Scattered/isolated convection throughout entire day.  Several intense convective cells
              move directly over radar.  All precip moves NW to SE.
              Data Processed:  0000-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0335Z(492km), 1815Z(23km)
              QC notes:       0220Z:  Intense clutter speck W of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
3A            !!FLAG!!        0450Z:  Intense clutter specks near radar embedded in precip.  Clutter cannot
                                      be removed without also removing precip.
3B            !!FLAG!!        0520Z:  Moderate clutter from Melville island NW of radar; moderate clutter
                                      speck embedded in light precip SW of radar
                              ---->   Clutter NW from island removed; embedded clutter cannot be removed
                                      without removing precip.  This is given a minor flag because clutter
                                      is not intense
                         0540-0900Z:  Moderate/intense clutter from Melville island NW of radar; clutter
                                      specks near radar at 0610Z; intense clutter near radar at 0740Z;
                                      second trip echo at mid/far range from 0740-0830Z
                              ---->   Some of the clutter from Melville Island was removed; some is
                                      embedded within light/moderate precip; some clutter near radar
                                      was removed; second trip echo was partially removed - see flags
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!   0730-0900Z:  Intense clutter NW of radar near Melville island could not be
                                      removed.  This is the main reason why this period receives a major
                                      flag.  Other problem such as intense specks near radar and occassional
                                      light AP S of radar still exist.  Although some of the AP was removed,
                                      the images could not be totally cleaned up due to presence of precip.
                         0910-1520Z:  Moderate/intense AP S and E of radar.  A few convective cells are
                                      present E and SW of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected!!!  AP was removed (masked) while the precip cores were
                                      basically left in-tact.  Precip with reflectivities < 30 dBZ were
                                      chopped out pretty bad, but precip cores are OK.  This is an
                                      acceptable compromise.
                              1800Z:  AP SW of radar
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         1920-2230Z:  Moderate AP SW of radar - a few AP specks NW also.
                              ---->   It has proven to be very difficult to remove the AP from the VOSs
                                      in this time period.  Since the clutter covers such a small area,
                                      and is not very intense, the VOSs will get a minor flag.
                                      Harsher parameter settings only removed the real precip echo.
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!   1940-2040Z:  Minor AP SW of radar cannot be removed without also removing
                                      precip.
3B            !!FLAG!!   2210-2220Z:  Minor AP SW of radar cannot be removed without also removing
                                      precip.
********************************************************************************************************
31 Jan 98:    Scattered convection develops near 0230Z N and S of the radar.  Intense convection develops
              on coastline of Melville Island.  This convection remains nearly stationary and dissipates
              by ~11Z.  A small area of showers pushes into view E of radar at far range near 17Z.
              No additional precip for the remainder of the day.
              Data Processed:  0000-2350Z
              Satellite Coincidence:  0359Z(322km), 1703Z(628km)
              QC notes:  0000-0230Z:  Scattered light AP NW of radar - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         0410-0450Z:  Moderate AP NW of radar near Melville Island
                              ---->   Corrected - AP patches removed
                         1010-1110Z:  Scattered AP surrounding radar with small decaying convective cell
                                      SE of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed; precip cell remains in-tact
                         1120-1610Z:  Moderate/intense AP surrounding radar (mainly S) - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
                         1620-1850Z:  Moderate/intense AP S of radar with an area of decaying precip
                                      E of radar.
                              ---->   Partially corrected - some moderate/intense AP remnants remain S of radar
                                      of radar in many VOSs - see flag below.
                                      For the 1830-1850 VOSs, the minor decaying cell was removed in order to
                                      remove 60+ dBZ AP.  This is a compromise which is justified in this case.
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!   1640-1820Z:  Intense AP remnants S of radar cannot be removed due to presence of
                                      precip E of radar.  The AP remains so this period is given a major flag.
                                      Harsher parameter settings only resulted in the removal of real precip echo.
                         1900-2350Z:  Light/moderate AP S and E of radar - no precip
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed
********************************************************************************************************