WSR2005 SPECIFICS

In the winter of 2005 the Winter Storm Recon Program is fully operational at the National Weather Service. The program will be organized as in 2001 - 2003. In case of a need for extra observations to be taken with the aim of reducing forecast uncertainty for threatening winter weather events, forecasters at WFO field offices can contact the WSR focal point in their respective region:
Alaska:
Pacific:
Western Region:    Andy Edman
Central Region:    Dodge City
Southern Region:    Dan Smith
Eastern Region:
The regional focal points, along with NCEP Service Center focal points, will forward
the pertinent information on the forecast event to the Senior Duty Meteorologist at NCEP/NCO by 9:30 am eastern time.

The WSR04 program is expected to start on 21 January 2005. Approximately 150 flight hours (18-20 missions) will be available on the NOAA G-lV plane through March 13. In addition, flight hours will be available with 2 USAF C130 planes from 00Z February 3, 2005 (with a down day on 00Z February 15 and possibly 16 February 2005) until 00Z February 27. The C130s will be based in Honolulu, while the G-IV will be based in Honolulu between January 21-29 and February 28-15 March, and in Anchorage February 2-26. The planes will take dropsonde observations in areas identified by the SDM as the most relevant for improving the forecasts for events requested by the field and NCEP forecasters.

Aircraft schedules:
C-130s: First flight is possible at 2005020300. Last possible flight is at 2005022700. 15 February (and possibly 16 February) are down days. All flights are out of Honolulu.
G-IV: First flight is possible at 2005012100. Last flight is possible at 2005031500. Flights are out of Honolulu between 21-29 January and 28 February - 15 March, and Anchorage, Alaska between 2-26 February.

For Plan of Day (POD), containing used/remaining flight our information, see:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/reconlist.html
or www.hurricanehunters.com/wxdata.htm
or call up the bulletin NOUS42 KNHC

PROCEDURES FOR SDM

REFERENCE DATA FOR 2001

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