Description
Calculate a precipitation-accumulator increment with a known-zero-reset switch.
Weather accumulation records need explicit reset, carry, observation-time and area-weight conventions. Trace or missing precipitation differs from measured zero, and radar dBZ must be converted to a linear basis before a linear reflectivity mean. Supplied density, timing and weighting terms do not create a forecast or verify actual weather conditions.
Calculate a precipitation-accumulator increment with a known-zero-reset switch.
When to use this tool
Use Precipitation Accumulator Reset Difference when you already have previousTotal, currentTotal, knownResetToZero and need to calculate a precipitation-accumulator increment with a known-zero-reset switch.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter previousTotal, currentTotal, knownResetToZero. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read increment. Use the output convention below.
Require previous/current totals>=0; return current when knownResetToZero, otherwise current-previous.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| previousTotal | Previous Total | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| currentTotal | Current Total | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| knownResetToZero | True returns currentTotal alone; precipitation before an intervening reset is not recovered. | Required. Boolean. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| increment | Increment | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"previousTotal": 12,
"currentTotal": 3,
"knownResetToZero": true
},
"output": {
"increment": 3
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Negative non-reset differences are retained; the tool does not detect a reset, infer rollover or recover accumulation before an unobserved reset.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Review the original gauge/radar series, clock and accumulation metadata, including resets and missing intervals. Use the complete spatial or process model for basin precipitation, snow or forecasting; local depth contributions and reference gaps do not infer unobserved weather.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Weather Forcing Accumulation Offset
Calculate an accumulation increment using a supplied reset reference.
- Tippingbucket Siphon Reset Count Adjustment
Add a supplied lost-tip count to a recorded rain-gauge tip count.