GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Montana Average Annual Precipitation, 1971-2000

Data Provider PRISM Group, Oregon Climate Service, Oregon State University
Date 1971 - 2000
Content Type Downloadable Data
Abstract These data are estimates of average annual precipitation, in inches, for the climatological period 1971-2000. Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) derived raster data is the underlying data set from which the data were created. PRISM is an analytical model that uses point data and a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate gridded estimates of annual, monthly and event-based climatic parameters. For further information, the online PRISM homepage can be found at https://www.prism.oregonstate.edu/.The data is available as an ESRI Grid ASCII export file, in latitude/longitude coordinates with a horizontal resolution of 0.00833 degrees, for the entire United States from the Oregon Climate Service web site. The data for Montana is available in Montana State Plane Coordinates, resampled to a resolution of 600 meters, in either GeoTIFF format or as a shapefile with polygons representing 27 precipitation ranges.
Purpose
Supplemental Information There are many methods of interpolating precipitation from monitoring stations to grid points. Some provide estimates of acceptable accuracy in flat terrain, but few have been able to adequately explain the extreme, complex variations in precipitation that occur in mountainous regions. Significant progress in this area has been achieved through the development of PRISM (Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model). PRISM is an analytical model that uses point data and a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate gridded estimates of monthly and annual precipitation (as well as other climatic parameters). PRISM is well suited to regions with mountainous terrain, because it incorporates a conceptual framework that addresses the spatial scale and pattern of orographic precipitation.
This data is copyright 2004, PRISM Group, Oregon State University, http://www.prismclimate.org. A statement of this copyright must accompany any transfer or display of this data. The Montana State Library provides this product/service for informational purposes only. The Library did not produce it for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Consumers of this information should review or consult the primary data and information sources to ascertain the viability of the information for their purposes. The Library provides these data in good faith but does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. In no event shall the Library be liable for any incorrect results or analysis; any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages to any party; or any lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use or the inability to use the data or the services provided. The Library makes these data and services available as a convenience to the public, and for no other purpose. The Library reserves the right to change or revise published data and/or services at any time.
Data Access https://ftpgeoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Data/Spatial/NonMSDI/Shapefiles/Precipitation2000.zip
Distributor Montana State Library
PO Box 201800
Helena, MT 59620-1800
Telephone: 406-444-5354
TDD/TTY: Montana Relay 711
Fax: 406-444-0266
Email: geoinfo@mt.gov
Distribution liability The Montana State Library provides this product/service for informational purposes only. The Library did not produce it for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Consumers of this information should review or consult the primary data and information sources to ascertain the viability of the information for their purposes. The Library provides these data in good faith but does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. In no event shall the Library be liable for any incorrect results or analysis; any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages to any party; or any lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use or the inability to use the data or the services provided. The Library makes these data and services available as a convenience to the public, and for no other purpose. The Library reserves the right to change or revise published data and/or services at any time.
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Metadata date 01/24/2014

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