The following terms are suggested for VLBA site weather reporting (normally via a TECH message). The use of these terms should promote clarity, consistency, and avoid repetition of information already available on vldis. Here is an example TECH message:

BROKEN LOW CLOUDS & FOG, LIGHT RAIN, WET

SKY CONDITION

CLEAR      =  < 1/10 sky coverage

SCATTERED  =  1/10 - 5/10 sky coverage

BROKEN     =  6/10 - 9/10 sky coverage

OVERCAST   =  10/10 sky coverage

CLOUD TYPES

LOW CLOUDS   =  Stratus, Cumulus     < 10k feet

HIGH CLOUDS  =  Altocumulus, Cirrus  > 10k feet

THUNDERSTORMS, FOG

PRECIPITATION

Intensity:

NONE        =  Not occurring

VERY LIGHT  =  Not enough to wet ground

LIGHT       =  Ground wet, snow covering ground

MODERATE    =  Water running, visibility impaired

HEAVY       =  Gully-washer, poor visibility

Type:

DRIZZLE, RAIN, SNOW, FREEZING RAIN or DRIZZLE, HAIL

DISH STATUS

Condition:

WET, DRY, SNOW COVERED, ICE

Amount:

% of dish covered and depth of snow or ice

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