Homogenized, gap-filled, daily air temperature data for Saddle, 1986 - ongoing.

As part of its long-term climate data core collection, the Niwot
Ridge LTER has collected daily air temperature at the Saddle site
since 1981. The Saddle station is located at 3525 m.a.s.l. and is an
important point location to capture local, ambient meteorological
conditions for many biological and environmental datasets collected
nearby. The location of the Saddle station has also presented
challenges to its operation. Freezing temperatures, snow deposition
from strong winds following storms, and exposure to lightning are
some elements that have disrupted instrument functionality, affected
data quality, and made access for research staff difficult over
time, especially in winter months. These interruptions have led to
missing or faulty data at times and inconsistent data gap-filling.
Additionally, a mixture of mechanical hygrothermograph chart and
temperature sensors with electronic data loggers have been used
since the inception of the Saddle station to measure and record air
temperature. Thus, a close inspection of potential influence from
instrument turnover and relevant notes from research staff is
required for a quality, daily air temperature time series for
Saddle. Here we present a quality-controlled, gap-filled, daily time series
of maximum, average, minimum, and diurnal air temperatures that
accounts for instrument turnover at the Saddle. Methods follow those
used to gap-fill long-term daily air temperature at the Niwot Ridge
LTER D1 and C1 stations so there is consistency among core
collection daily air temperature datasets. Metadata for this data
package centralizes the most complete station history for Saddle air
temperature and includes notes to data users on aspects and
limitations of the dataset to consider when using these data in
scientific analyses.