diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g16.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g16.yaml.j2
index 9207787e..3927c04a 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g16.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g16.yaml.j2
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
          name: abi_g16
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
   # Observation Bias Correction (VarBC)
   # -----------------------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g18.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g18.yaml.j2
index 3df13f27..948f2db0 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g18.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/abi_g18.yaml.j2
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
          name: abi_g18
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
   # Observation Bias Correction (VarBC)
   # -----------------------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_181.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_181.yaml.j2
index 39a72969..23202e36 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_181.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_181.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_airTemperature_181
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
index 52c0ffa9..b9a636bf 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_airTemperature_183
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_187.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_187.yaml.j2
index ade4c57f..4668a677 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_187.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_airTemperature_187.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_airTemperature_187
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_181.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_181.yaml.j2
index f9d80617..5f937571 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_181.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_181.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_specificHumidity_181
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
index 157f5caf..bc5e34f3 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_specificHumidity_183
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_187.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_187.yaml.j2
index 1dbad3bc..932b0586 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_187.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_specificHumidity_187.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_specificHumidity_187
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_181.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_181.yaml.j2
index 574710bc..1c0dbba9 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_181.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_181.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_stationPressure_181
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_187.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_187.yaml.j2
index a11f0a3c..09fa6f00 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_187.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_stationPressure_187.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_stationPressure_187
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_281.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_281.yaml.j2
index 64a7d1be..ace1e8a1 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_281.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_281.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_winds_281
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_284.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_284.yaml.j2
index 48bb18ba..2794e47a 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_284.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_284.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_winds_284
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_287.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_287.yaml.j2
index a83e089d..9da74826 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_287.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpsfc_winds_287.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpsfc_winds_287
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_120.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_120.yaml.j2
index ab3a8604..1cf5d8ea 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_120.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_120.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_airTemperature_120
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_132.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_132.yaml.j2
index 45647596..a08f5837 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_132.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_airTemperature_132.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_airTemperature_132
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_120.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_120.yaml.j2
index 9d1dff92..a6f34d40 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_120.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_120.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_specificHumidity_120
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_132.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_132.yaml.j2
index 744c83f2..fe5da885 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_132.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_specificHumidity_132.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_specificHumidity_132
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_stationPressure_120.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_stationPressure_120.yaml.j2
index d045052b..676dfee5 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_stationPressure_120.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_stationPressure_120.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_stationPressure_120
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_220.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_220.yaml.j2
index fceec670..d8770ca9 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_220.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_220.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_winds_220
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_232.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_232.yaml.j2
index 6738d56a..1f110ef3 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_232.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/adpupa_winds_232.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: adpupa_winds_232
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_airTemperature_133.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_airTemperature_133.yaml.j2
index 3c25484c..f3da1dcd 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_airTemperature_133.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_airTemperature_133.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircar_airTemperature_133
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_specificHumidity_133.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_specificHumidity_133.yaml.j2
index 038f464e..4c5437bf 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_specificHumidity_133.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_specificHumidity_133.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircar_specificHumidity_133
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_winds_233.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_winds_233.yaml.j2
index de003d53..88b15daa 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_winds_233.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircar_winds_233.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircar_winds_233
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_130.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_130.yaml.j2
index 63fb833e..7cc83f55 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_130.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_130.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_airTemperature_130
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_131.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_131.yaml.j2
index ac4c70f6..d41231ed 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_131.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_131.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_airTemperature_131
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_134.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_134.yaml.j2
index 628945dc..f7bc3772 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_134.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_134.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_airTemperature_134
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_135.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_135.yaml.j2
index d588e141..b5b85ee2 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_135.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_airTemperature_135.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_airTemperature_135
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_specificHumidity_134.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_specificHumidity_134.yaml.j2
index 719fa494..f90c792d 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_specificHumidity_134.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_specificHumidity_134.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_specificHumidity_134
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_230.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_230.yaml.j2
index f6968605..4070acc0 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_230.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_230.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_winds_230
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_231.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_231.yaml.j2
index b3ffff04..e25ba8b7 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_231.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_231.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_winds_231
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_234.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_234.yaml.j2
index dcf6f457..d30153b0 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_234.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_234.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_winds_234
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_235.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_235.yaml.j2
index e036fb9d..32164a7d 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_235.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/aircft_winds_235.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: aircft_winds_235
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-b.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-b.yaml.j2
index e72296e9..2766c9c9 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-b.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-b.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: amsua_metop-b
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
        obs bias:
          input file: data/satbias_in/amsua_metop-b.satbias.nc
          output file: data/satbias_out/amsua_metop-b.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-c.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-c.yaml.j2
index 630bafe3..ed65492e 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-c.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_metop-c.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: amsua_metop-c
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
        obs bias:
          input file: data/satbias_in/amsua_metop-c.satbias.nc
          output file: data/satbias_out/amsua_metop-c.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_n19.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_n19.yaml.j2
index 3aa78d29..afadb587 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_n19.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/amsua_n19.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: amsua_n19
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
        obs bias:
          input file: data/satbias_in/amsua_n19.satbias.nc
          output file: data/satbias_out/amsua_n19.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n20.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n20.yaml.j2
index b7e87452..34c0b02b 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n20.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n20.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: atms_n20
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
              Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs bias:
          input file:  data/satbias_in/atms_n20.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n21.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n21.yaml.j2
index d74b83d7..a24caa99 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n21.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_n21.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: atms_n21
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
              Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs bias:
          input file:  data/satbias_in/atms_n21.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_npp.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_npp.yaml.j2
index 9983347c..7711e595 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_npp.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/atms_npp.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: atms_npp
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
              Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs bias:
          input file:  data/satbias_in/atms_npp.satbias.nc
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n20.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n20.yaml.j2
index 0f4cbf08..44890b58 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n20.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n20.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: cris-fsr_n20
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 300e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
       # ------------------------------------
       # Observation Bias Correction (VarBC)
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n21.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n21.yaml.j2
index 510754c9..d64fff63 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n21.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/cris-fsr_n21.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: cris-fsr_n21
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
            Absorbers: [H2O, O3]
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 300e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
       # ------------------------------------
       # Observation Bias Correction (VarBC)
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/gnss_zenithTotalDelay.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/gnss_zenithTotalDelay.yaml.j2
index 5fde3d12..658c82de 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/gnss_zenithTotalDelay.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/gnss_zenithTotalDelay.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: gnss_ztd_zenithTotalDelay
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/mrms_refl.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/mrms_refl.yaml.j2
index d3afa221..1ff149e4 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/mrms_refl.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/mrms_refl.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: refl10cm
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size_radardbz | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale_radardbz | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_airTemperature_188.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_airTemperature_188.yaml.j2
index ad3d0f60..0240d13f 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_airTemperature_188.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_airTemperature_188.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: msonet_airTemperature_188
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_specificHumidity_188.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_specificHumidity_188.yaml.j2
index 54ccd496..633e4964 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_specificHumidity_188.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_specificHumidity_188.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: msonet_specificHumidity_188
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_stationPressure_188.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_stationPressure_188.yaml.j2
index 68d5b93d..1c241b1b 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_stationPressure_188.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_stationPressure_188.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: msonet_stationPressure_188
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_winds_288.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_winds_288.yaml.j2
index f792f301..e3d9d588 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_winds_288.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/msonet_winds_288.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: msonet_winds_288
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/proflr_winds_227.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/proflr_winds_227.yaml.j2
index 99cfabcb..922fb62e 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/proflr_winds_227.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/proflr_winds_227.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: proflr_winds_227
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 100e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/rassda_airTemperature_126.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/rassda_airTemperature_126.yaml.j2
index 606871e6..79950360 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/rassda_airTemperature_126.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/rassda_airTemperature_126.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: rassda_airTemperature_126
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_270.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_270.yaml.j2
index 06d3f847..a20f1739 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_270.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_270.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_245_270
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_272.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_272.yaml.j2
index ccc39bf5..3b81e18f 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_272.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_245_272.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_245_272
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_270.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_270.yaml.j2
index 41940aff..ec7f3cae 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_270.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_270.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_246_270
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_272.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_272.yaml.j2
index a903d89f..7fa0c8d2 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_272.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_246_272.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_246_272
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_270.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_270.yaml.j2
index 7fb7806e..aedb8f2d 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_270.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_270.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_247_270
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_272.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_272.yaml.j2
index efc246bb..cd125a30 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_272.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/satwnd_winds_247_272.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: satwnd_winds_247_272
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_180.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_180.yaml.j2
index e386c3ac..3f8092e9 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_180.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_180.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_airTemperature_180
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_182.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_182.yaml.j2
index c2c9d73d..5e0a1144 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_182.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_182.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_airTemperature_182
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
index c78176a5..155b23eb 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_airTemperature_183.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_airTemperature_183
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_180.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_180.yaml.j2
index ecbcef54..4b2679f6 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_180.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_180.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_specificHumidity_180
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_182.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_182.yaml.j2
index 0b9a3a35..3fe5884b 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_182.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_182.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_specificHumidity_182
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
index 7d288a26..bc4f88cc 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_specificHumidity_183.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_specificHumidity_183
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_180.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_180.yaml.j2
index 13407158..d5d5b570 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_180.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_180.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_stationPressure_180
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_182.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_182.yaml.j2
index 2946f8ab..62c9e247 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_182.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_stationPressure_182.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_stationPressure_182
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_280.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_280.yaml.j2
index cef54d4f..ff9891ed 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_280.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_280.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_winds_280
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_282.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_282.yaml.j2
index 58c52076..a36b4fb7 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_282.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_282.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_winds_282
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_284.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_284.yaml.j2
index 0b842969..2d2bcd53 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_284.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/sfcshp_winds_284.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: sfcshp_winds_284
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------
diff --git a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/vadwnd_winds_224.yaml.j2 b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/vadwnd_winds_224.yaml.j2
index b5e61143..127bdaa1 100644
--- a/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/vadwnd_winds_224.yaml.j2
+++ b/parm/jcb-rdas/observations/atmosphere/vadwnd_winds_224.yaml.j2
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
          name: vadwnd_winds_224
          distribution:
            name: "{{distribution}}"
-           halo size: 500e3
+           halo size: {{ halo_size | default(500e3) }}
          obsdatain:
            engine:
              type: H5File
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
        obs localizations:
          - localization method: Horizontal Gaspari-Cohn
-           lengthscale: 200e3 # orig
+           lengthscale: {{ lengthscale | default (200e3) }}
 
        obs filters:
          # ------------------