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 similarly as in 2001 - 2004. 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:     James Partain
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 WSR05 program is expected to start on 20 January 2005. Approximately 150 flight hours (18-20 missions) will be available on the NOAA G-lV plane through Mid March. In addition, flight hours will be available with 2 USAF C130 planes from 00Z January 31, 2005 (with down days from00Z February 11 to 13 February 2005) until 00Z February 24. The C130s will be based in Anochorage, while the G-IV will be based in Honolulu. 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 2005013100. Last possible flight is at 2005022400. 11 February to 13 February are down days. All flights are out of Anchorage.
G-IV: First flight is possible at 2005012000. Last flight is possible at 2005031500. Flights are out of Honolulu.

Comments on the G-IV:
1) The use of the G-lV will be shared during part of the WSR05 period with the NOAA AL Lab. NCEP will have a priority in the use of the plane.
2) The G-lV will have to be taken to a Long Beech facility for a day or two during the second half of the program. AOC can schedule this so the down days fall on quiet days. The trip to Long Beech can be a WSR flight landing on the West Coast. The possible disruption can be minimized by scheduling the inspection after 17 Febr, when there will be 2 crews with the G-lV, and before 24 Febr, while the C-130s will still be in Anchorage.

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

CHANGES FOR 2005

REFERENCE DATA FOR 2001

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Zoltan Toth at Zoltan.Toth@noaa.gov