Laserfiche WebLink
<br />0025aQ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />storms and determine the feasibility of using the Project Skywater <br />5-cm radar for observations and analysis of winter orographic <br />storms in the SCPP study area. The radar has been sited south <br />of Camp Far West Reservoir about 40 miles north of Sacramento. <br />The site was selected from 13 candidate locations on the basis <br />of technical suitability and logistical and socio-environmental <br />considerations. <br /> <br />I <br />F <br /> <br />During a 3-1/2-month study period, NAWC will collect rawinsonde <br />data, forecast storm conditions, and compare actual cloud top <br />temperatures with radar and rawinsonde cloud top by use of an <br />observation aircraft. <br /> <br />Data obtained from the Skywater radar will be analyzed to define <br />(1) convective cell motion and location, (2) convective band motion <br />and location, (3) cloud top structures, and (4) estimates of <br />precipitation to compare with gage measurements. A difficult <br />portion of the study will be to determine whether the radar can <br />be used to accurately estimate the amount of precipitation falling <br />over the American River Basin. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Precipitation Profile <br /> <br />A network of 13 recording precipitation gages has been installed <br />along Interstate 80 from Sacramento to Truckee, California. Gages <br />are placed at approximately 152-m (500-ft) elevation intervals and <br />represent a profile across the Sierra barrier. <br /> <br />Data from the network will be collected weekly. The rainfall <br />or snowfall will be recorded to the nearest 1/100 of an inch for <br />l5-minute increments. These data will be combined with information <br />from the Skywater radar and the transport and diffusion aircraft to <br />develop an understanding of rainfall and/or snowfall rates as <br />related to the reflectivities observed with the radar. The gages <br />also provide valuable information about the variation of precipi- <br />tation distribution and intensity at the various elevations across <br />the barrier. <br /> <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />During future years, the profile network will be expanded using <br />telemetered gages and other recording gages to represent the entire <br />project area. Data from downwind areas in the Tahoe Basin and <br />Carson Range in Nevada also will be collected to examine possible <br />downwind effects of seeding. Twenty recording gages are being <br />operated in Nevada during the 1976-1977 winter season. <br /> <br />36 <br /> <br />