IV 5 Snyder

The First MSC/COMET Mountain Weather Course: 

The First MSC/COMET Mountain Weather Course Brad Snyder1, Doug Wesley2, James Cummine1, Chris Doyle1, Mike Meyers3 1 Meteorological Service of Canada, 2 COMET 3 National Weather Service Thanks to M. Wong, J. Gadal, T. Bullock, K. Wilkes, G. Simmard

Outline: 

Outline Introduction Forecaster training Training survey The Mountain Weather Course Summary

Introduction: 

Introduction Mountain Weather Course - inspired by Summer School for Mountain Meteorology at University of Trento Collaboration between the MSC and COMET Goals – provide operational forecasters exposure to current research and theory from experts in the field of mountain meteorology provide training for forecasters involved in the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Forecaster Training: 

Forecaster Training “We have seen that both forecasting and basic research have made substantial gains when a mutual understanding has existed between forecasters and researchers”. Doswell and Lemon, 1981

Forecaster Training: 

Forecaster Training “We have seen that both forecasting and basic research have made substantial gains when a mutual understanding has existed between forecasters and researchers”. Doswell and Lemon, 1981 In 1959, Bergeron concluded that the lack of contact between theory and empiricism is the major factor blocking progress.

Forecaster Training: 

Forecaster Training Types Reading Journal Papers Conferences University Courses On-line modules Local Workshops Double-banking with experts Residence Courses Weather Event Simulators

Forecaster Training: 

Forecaster Training Knowledge of theoretical concepts has impact on forecast performance Training in fundamental and current meteorological concepts promotes deeper understanding With the ultimate goal of having positive impact on forecasts

Training Survey - 2006: 

Training Survey - 2006 Close to 200 forecasters were surveyed Roughly half from Canada and half from the NWS Central Region in the US. Questioned on The level of science in operations Magnitude of gap between research and operations Rating the training in their office What is the best way to learn new concepts

Slide9: 

The Level of Science Used in Operations over the Last 10 Years…

Operational forecasters have kept up with research in their understanding and use of meteorological science…: 

Operational forecasters have kept up with research in their understanding and use of meteorological science…

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Bridging the gap between research and operations Challenges Where to teach Who to teach the subjects What to teach http://www.comet.ucar.edu/class/Mountain%20Weather/07index.htm

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Where to teach? COMET or Whistler Who will teach? Find researchers who can relate to the issues facing forecasters…to make things real

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Where to teach? COMET or Whistler Who will teach? Find researchers who can relate to the issues facing forecasters…to make things real Find forecasters who have close ties to the research community… who understand the theory

Mountain Weather Course - 07: 

Mountain Weather Course - 07 Fundamentals of Mountain Weather Dave Whiteman Orographic Precipitation Critical aspect for Olympic forecasting Brian Colle and Bob Banta … Research from MAP and other field campaigns will comprise a major part of talks Applications to cases in Whistler also expected

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Cloud Microphysics key element in understanding cool-season weather systems in complex terrain Ron Stewart will present a theoretical overview of cloud and pcpn microphysics. Ivan Dube will present his research on snow density with applications to a case in Whistler

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Applications An extensive laboratory session will analyze a March 2006 case over British Columbia Will offer significant forecast challenges related to QPF and precipitation type

Mountain Weather Course: 

Mountain Weather Course Winter Olympic Experience John Horel will speak on the concept of forecast uncertainty ..maybe a little on the SLC2002 experience Mesoscale Models Local experts will discuss elements of the 2.5km GEM LAM mesoscale model over the complex terrain of southwest BC

Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics: 

Mountain Weather Course Practicum Training: Whistler Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics 2 0 0 6 ? 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9

Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics: 

Mountain Weather Course Practicum Training: Whistler Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics 2 0 0 6 Test Events ? 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9

Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics: 

Mountain Weather Course Practicum Training: Whistler 2 0 0 6 Test Events AMS Mountain Met Conference Mountain Met Short Course 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9 Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics

Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics: 

Mountain Weather Course Practicum Training: Whistler Mountain Weather Course and the Olympics 2 0 0 6 Test Events ? AMS Mountain Met Conference Mountain Met Short Course 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9 ?

Summary: 

Summary The MWC Residence course provides an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between research and operations in the field of Mountain Meteorology Deliver much sought-after forecaster training in this discipline Good example of international collaboration Expectation of even more international involvement in future courses

Future: 

Future Yearly Mountain Weather Courses expected to continue to 2010 After this? Photo: Scott Brammer / www.coastphoto.com