Updated Satellite Technique to Forecast Heavy Snow

Abstract

Certain satellite interpretation techniques have proven quite useful in the heavy snow forecast process. Those considered best are briefly reviewed, and another technique is introduced. This new technique was found to be most valuable in cyclonic ?shear zone? snow events, which are quite common east of the Rockies. This technique aids in advanced positioning of the shear zone and the associated heavy snow band even before other surface or satellite signatures appear. Case studies over a 10-yr period were used to refine this technique, which is used in the operational forecast process at the Weather Service Forecast Office in Milwaukee/Sullivan, Wisconsin. This method provides clues evident both before the events, to help increase lead lime, and during the events, to help locate developing heavy snow areas. This project and the summarized techniques further emphasize the importance of satellite imagery as a key tool in the heavy snow forecast process.