The First MSCCOMET Mountain Weather Course

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The First MSC/COMET Mountain Weather Course

• Brad Snyder1, Doug Wesley2, James Cummine1, Chris
  Doyle1, Mike Meyers3
• 1 Meteorological Service of Canada, 2 COMET
• 3 National Weather Service

Thanks to M. Wong, J. Gadal, T. Bullock, K.
Wilkes, G. Simmard
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Outline

• Introduction
• Forecaster training
• Training survey
• The Mountain Weather Course
• Summary

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Introduction

• Mountain Weather Course - inspired by Summer
  School for Mountain Meteorology at University of
  Trento
• Collaboration between the MSC and COMET
• Goals
• provide operational forecasters exposure to
  current research and theory from experts in the
  field of mountain meteorology
• provide training for forecasters involved in the
  upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

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Forecaster Training

• We have seen that both forecasting and basic
  research have made substantial gains when a
  mutual understanding has existed between
  forecasters and researchers.
• Doswell and Lemon, 1981

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Forecaster Training

• We have seen that both forecasting and basic
  research have made substantial gains when a
  mutual understanding has existed between
  forecasters and researchers.
• Doswell and Lemon, 1981

• In 1959, Bergeron concluded that the lack of
  contact between theory and empiricism is the
  major factor blocking progress.

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Forecaster Training

• Types
• Reading Journal Papers
• Conferences
• University Courses
• On-line modules
• Local Workshops
• Double-banking with experts
• Residence Courses
• Weather Event Simulators

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Forecaster Training

• Knowledge of theoretical concepts has impact on
  forecast performance
• Training in fundamental and current
  meteorological concepts promotes deeper
  understanding
• With the ultimate goal of having positive impact
  on forecasts

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Training Survey - 2006

• Close to 200 forecasters were surveyed
• Roughly half from Canada and half from the NWS
  Central Region in the US.
• Questioned on
• The level of science in operations
• Magnitude of gap between research and operations
• Rating the training in their office
• What is the best way to learn new concepts

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The Level of Science Used in Operations over the
Last 10 Years
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Operational forecasters have kept up with
research in their understanding and use of
meteorological science
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Mountain Weather Course

• Bridging the gap between research and operations
• Challenges
• Where to teach
• Who to teach the subjects
• What to teach
• http//www.comet.ucar.edu/class/Mountain20Weather
  /07index.htm

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Mountain Weather Course

• Where to teach?
• COMET or Whistler
• Who will teach?
• Find researchers who can relate to the issues
  facing forecastersto make things real

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Mountain Weather Course

• Where to teach?
• COMET or Whistler
• Who will teach?
• Find researchers who can relate to the issues
  facing forecastersto make things real
• Find forecasters who have close ties to the
  research community who understand the theory

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Mountain Weather Course - 07

• Fundamentals of Mountain Weather
• Dave Whiteman
• Orographic Precipitation
• Critical aspect for Olympic forecasting
• Brian Colle and Bob Banta
• Research from MAP and other field campaigns will
  comprise a major part of talks
• Applications to cases in Whistler also expected

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Mountain Weather Course

• Cloud Microphysics
• key element in understanding cool-season weather
  systems in complex terrain
• Ron Stewart will present a theoretical overview
  of cloud and pcpn microphysics.
• Ivan Dube will present his research on snow
  density with applications to a case in Whistler

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Mountain Weather Course

• Applications
• An extensive laboratory session will analyze a
  March 2006 case over British Columbia
• Will offer significant forecast challenges
  related to QPF and precipitation type

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Mountain Weather Course

• Winter Olympic Experience
• John Horel will speak on the concept of forecast
  uncertainty ..maybe a little on the SLC2002
  experience
• Mesoscale Models
• Local experts will discuss elements of the 2.5km
  GEM LAM mesoscale model over the complex terrain
  of southwest BC

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Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics
Mountain Weather Course
?
2 0 1 0
Practicum Training Whistler
2 0 0 6
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 8
2 0 0 9
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Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics
Mountain Weather Course
?
2 0 1 0
Practicum Training Whistler
Test Events
2 0 0 6
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 8
2 0 0 9
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Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics
Mountain Weather Course
Mountain Met Short Course
2 0 1 0
AMS Mountain Met Conference
Practicum Training Whistler
Test Events
2 0 0 6
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 8
2 0 0 9
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Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics
?
Mountain Weather Course
Mountain Met Short Course
?
2 0 1 0
AMS Mountain Met Conference
Practicum Training Whistler
Test Events
2 0 0 6
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 8
2 0 0 9
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Summary

• The MWC Residence course provides an excellent
  opportunity to bridge the gap between research
  and operations in the field of Mountain
  Meteorology
• Deliver much sought-after forecaster training in
  this discipline
• Good example of international collaboration
• Expectation of even more international
  involvement in future courses

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Future

• Yearly Mountain Weather Courses expected to
  continue to 2010
• After this?

Photo Scott Brammer / www.coastphoto.com
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