Incorporating a superior knowledge of synoptic and mesoscale weather patterns that effects the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and western Nevada, QPF forecasts issued from Reno verified very well. QPFs issued from NCEP were found to overestimate precipitation for this event. This would be expected in that NCEP does not have access to local scale data. Information critical to forecasters when assembling QPFs includes freezing levels, snowmelt levels and real-time precipitation data. Automated gages must be constantly interrogated to provide the most recent precipitation data.
Weather spotters are another good source of data.
These models are vital in issuing flood warnings to the public. Gages must be maintained to perform accurately during times of heavy precipitation as this is the time that they are most needed. Improved gage networks would lead to more accurate QPFs. The NWS could then issue more timely warnings for flooding events and ultimately minimize the loss of lives and property.