CLEX-9 October 30th, 2001 Operations

Synopsis

• The CLEX-9 forecast team has decided to stand by all operations for Tuesday, October 30th.
  
  
• Weather Forecast (made at 1500 MST 10/29/01):

  
            We are on standby for possible WYKA and SPEC CLEX operations on Tuesday, 
            30 October 2001.  The earliest GO/NO GO decision will be at 0600 MST (1300Z). 
            Expect earliest possible takeoff for the King Air at 0800 MST (1500Z) and 
            for the SPEC Learjet at 0930 MST (1630Z).  The target for operations is over 
            North Platte.  MODUS overpass at 1040 MST (1740Z)
  
            WEATHER DISCUSSION:
  
            The CLEX region is just to the east of an upper level (500-mb) ridge.  The 
            ridge is 'dirty' with abundant moisture rotating through.  Mid-upper level 
            cloud conditions have been patchy and largely orographically induced.  Not 
            ideal CLEX conditions.
  
            The ETA predicts a moderate PVA max over LBF by 12Z on Tuesday.  The only 
            problem is most of the moisture is above ideal CLEX-cloud levels.  Any mid-
            level clouds will likely be accompanied by patchy to solid cirrus.
  
            We will make a GO/NO-GO decision NLT 0600 MST (1300Z) after determining the 
            availability of suitable types of clouds over LBF.
  
            OUTLOOK:
  
            On Wednesday, conditions will be more complex as the ridge axis moves through
            NE and we come under influence of upper-level trough with embedded short-waves.  
            Clouds may be favorable for CLEX operations as ETA keeps plentiful 500-mb 
            moisture.  By Thursday, NW’erly flow takes over as the trof moves through, 
            but marginal PAC moisture amounts may keep clouds from advecting over the CLEX 
            Region.
  
            Jim/Adam/Don
  
    
  Morning Update (made at 0630 MST 10/30/01): 
  
            We are STANDING DOWN all WYKA and SPEC CLEX operations today (Tuesday, 30 October 2001).  
  
            WEATHER DISCUSSION:
  
            The CLEX region is currently under a huge shield of orographically induced cirrus.  
            John Davis reports thin cirrus over North Platte between 9 and 12 Km AGL.  As upper-level 
            moisture continues to stream in from the SW, associated with an upper-level trof that is 
            off the western US, the forecast is for more orographically induced cirrus over the CLEX 
            target region throughout the day.  As Jim noted yesterday, "Not ideal CLEX conditions."
  
            OUTLOOK:
  
            On Wednesday, the models continue to move 500 mb moisture our way as the upper level ridge 
            axis begins to rotate through.  Will have to see how the 12Z model update handles the 
            moisture tomorrow.  As the upper-level trof makes its way closer, conditions for mid-level 
            cloud formation should improve.  The only caveat will be overlaying cirrus cloud (which makes 
            identifying mid-level cloud a bit tricky).  By Thursday, NW’erly flow begins to move into 
            the region.  The models seem to keep some decent 500 mb moisture in our area through Thursday 
            morning - with clearing conditions as the day continues.  Will have to see if this solution 
            validates.  
  
            Adam/Don
  
  
  

Sunrise Information for North Platte, NE

Sunrise   
                     Central Standard Time          

        Begin civil twilight       6:44 a.m.                 
        Sunrise                    7:13 a.m.                 
        Sun transit               12:27 p.m.                 
        Sunset                     5:41 p.m.                 
        End civil twilight         6:10 p.m.                
          

Weather Details

1200Z 500 mb Map



1215Z GOES IR Image


 

Aircraft Operations

• No UW King Air Operations

North Platte, NE Ground Operations

• Ground Instrument Status: Microwave Radiometer is still down.
  
  
  

Data Collection Highlights:

• Summary: Nothing to report