WMOD00558

• Project Name: Project Skywater, Sierra Cooperative Pilot Project
• Title: Project Skywater, Sierra Cooperative Pilot Project - Fall 1984 Status Report
• Date: 12/1/1984
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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instruments. The cloud physics aircraft has been state-of-the-art over

the years. The present aircraft (a Super-King Air 200T) is operated

by the University of Wyoming., It carries a number of sophisticated

laser probes capable of counting, sizing and imaging cloud and

precipi ta tion particles as it flies along. Both aircraft are flying

laboratories in that the ou-board computers provide the on-board

scientists with data for real-time guidance of field operations, and

the data are recorded on magnetic tape. A computer on the ground

provides detailed, processed data overnight for quality control and

in-depth analysis. The computer on board the cloud physics aircraft

is used to quantify the seedabili ty of cloud formations and to make

repeated penetrations of a seeded volume of air thereby allowing the

growth and fallout of ice particles produced by seeding to be monitored.

Vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture are derived from

a network of rawinsonde stations at various locations around the ARB

(Sheridan (SHR), Blue Canyon (BLU), Kingvale (KGV), Freshpond (FSP))

at 3 hourly intervals. The Skywater weather radar set located near

Sheridan is used to track prE~cipitation areas and to monitor project

aircraft positions. An NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research)

Doppler radar has been used to measure the motions of precipi ta tion

particles for the purpose of E~stimating local variations in the winds.

The Ka band radar, first operated at Kingvale in 1983-84 by the Desert

Research Institute, is used mainly to determine the vertical extent

of clouds passing over the crest.

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