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<br />makes some assignments based on size and linearity. It then <br /> <br />uses a "fine-detail ratio", total perimeter x size/area, for <br /> <br /> <br />the rest of the assignments. <br /> <br />The thresholds used could be refined for local conditions. <br /> <br />Adding generic particle masses allows the calculation of ice <br /> <br />water content. Adding generic terminal velocities allows the <br /> <br />calculation of precipitation rate or mass flux in the <br /> <br />vertical. Integrations of the precipitation rate have been <br /> <br />within a factor of two of simultaneous snowboard measurements <br /> <br />of total precipitation for a limited number of comparisons. <br /> <br />The software can then be used to examine changes in the <br /> <br />snowfall characteristics in time, in horizontal and vertical <br /> <br /> <br />position, with respect to LWC and seeding plumes, and with <br /> <br /> <br />respect to accretion and aggregation processes. <br /> <br />General Impressions of Grand Mesa Snow <br /> <br />Small compact single particles of up to a few per liter <br />dominate the cold tops of clouds ((-200 C). Sizes and <br />concentrations increase as the ground is approached. The <br />-150 C zone often produces dendrites and the onset of <br />aggregation. Abundant LWC often produces graupel-like snow. <br />There are significant changes in snow characteristics between <br />the lowest flight level (1500 feet agl) and surface <br />observations. These can be attributed to a-ISo C zone or an <br />abundance of LWC. <br /> <br />?6 <br />