Low-Level Stability during Winter Storms in the Uinta Basin of Utah: Potential Impacts on Ground-Based Cloud Seeding

Authors

  • David Yorty North American Weather Consultants
  • Warren Weston
  • Mark Solak
  • Don Griffith

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54782/jwm.v45i1.125

Keywords:

Weather modification, cloud seeding, inversions, cold pools, low level stability

Abstract

Low-level thermodynamic stability, an important consideration for winter season ground-based cloud seeding site selection and conduct of operations, varies considerably in and near mountainous terrain.  Rawinsonde observations may sometimes be poorly representative of nearby areas, with significant lower-level atmospheric temperature variability common between basins and sometimes within a basin. Operational forecast models may lack the ability to resolve or properly initialize low-level stability or “cold pooling” specific to a given basin or portion of a basin.  Analyses of surface observations, as well as plume dispersion modeling with HYSPLIT, can be used both for real-time operations and in post-hoc examinations of low-level stability specific to storm periods with cloud seeding potential.  Analyses of this type have been performed in various portions of Utah, and a recent analysis in the Uinta Range and Uinta Basin area of northeastern Utah highlights both the geographic variability and the seasonality of basin cold pooling.  The Uinta Basin analyses have shown much greater low-level thermodynamic stability during relevant winter storm periods than other portions of Utah.  Strong correlation of stability to site elevation within the basin, as well as distinct seasonality, are observed. 

Wyoming Cloud Radar reflectivity Transects

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Published

2013-03-30

How to Cite

Yorty, D., Weston, W., Solak, M., & Griffith, D. (2013). Low-Level Stability during Winter Storms in the Uinta Basin of Utah: Potential Impacts on Ground-Based Cloud Seeding. The Journal of Weather Modification, 45(1), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.54782/jwm.v45i1.125

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Scientific Papers

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