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Analysis of 1978 HIPLEX data included a study of severe weather in the Miles City area. Severe weather watches and warnings issued by the NWS and observa- tion of severe weather within the project area indicate that severe weather should have no serious effect on a randomized seeding experiment of cumulus congestus clouds. However, project scientists will be alert to possible occurrences. Postseason data analysis in fiscal year 1979 concentrated on development of objective-type forecasting procedures using the Water and Power EDN. A forecast decision tree was developed that used selected predictor variables to forecast specific weather class conditions. The tree was computerized and tested using actual HIPLEX field season data. Adjustments were made to the computer program when the forecast was significantly different from observed weather conditions. The present decision tree is considered preliminary and continuing evolution is anticipated. During the 1979 Montana HIPLEX field season, the decision tree was used in real-time. Initial reactions to forecasts based on the decision tree have been very favorable. ~ ~ CONTRACTOR: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota CONTRACT NO. 9-07-83-V0023 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: John Odegard CONTRACT PERIOD: October 2, 1978, to September 30, 1983 FY79 FUNDING: $460,035 PURPOSE: Design of downwind research and support of Project Skywater programs The UND's Department of Aviation is designing downwind studies to be incor- porated into initial HIPLEX studies. Scientists have recognized the need to understand precipitation management effects in primary study areas and downwind locations. This research will be a significant part of later experiments in HIPLEX and will contribute to general knowledge of downwind effects for other projects. The university provides a 5.4-cm research radar for observing and recording cloud system characteristics and other meteorological monitoring and support for winter and summer Project Skywater programs. Work includes processing and analysis of radar data sets from Texas, Kansas, Montana, California, and Utah. The radar is used to coordinate aircraft flights during experiments and to obtain atmospheric soundings by tracking rawinsondes. In the reporting period, UND expanded its involvement in the SCPP by develop- ing standard analysis programs with contoured graphics displays and standard slice displays. To save time and personnel costs for the winter and summer programs, UND developed software which interfaces with a microfiche/microfilm unit at the OARR in Denver for most standard output products including graphics. University personnel examined digital radar and rawinsonde data to generate a basic cloud profile of the Miles City, Montana area. The study performed especially with regard to radar cloud motion and echo activity was used to identify a radar site for the 1980 HIPLEX season. . 20