We study diurnal-seasonal pattern of HF ground backscatter characteristics such as minimum slant range, corresponding elevation angle, true reflection height etc.. All character- istics are calculated taking into account the Ekaterinburg SuperDARN HF radar (Ekb; 56.4◦ N, 58.5◦ E) technical specifications. We use original technique for HF simulation based on waveguide approach as well as ray tracing technique and international reference ionosphere (IRI-2012) as a propagation media. We compare simulation results with the Ekb data recorded during 2013–2014 and estimate an accuracy of IRI-2012 prediction. Current study might be useful for IRI model testing in the sub-polar region and for further improvement of Ekb data interpretation.