Case Overview

This case presents a winter storm forecasting challenge over the eastern foothills and high plains of northern Colorado from 17-20 March 2003. A key focus of this case is the challenge of forecasting the onset and dissipation of a barrier jet and its impact on precipitation types and distributions. You'll be asked to analyze observed and operational model data in order to forecast the impact of the barrier jet.

The case is presented in three parts:

Case Profile
An introduction to the case setting with a synoptic overview.

Case Challenge
A series of forecasting questions accompanied by a rich set of data and background content.

Case Summary
A brief summary of the event as it unfolded.

Geographic Location: Eastern foothills and high plains of northern Colorado and southern Wyoming

Case Time Frame: 17-20 March 2003

Phenomenon of Interest: Barrier jet and its impact on precipitation type and snow totals

Forecasting Challenges:

  • Investigate the mechanisms for extreme horizontal variation in snowfall
  • Determine the key factors that led to the precipitation type distribution observed
  • Learn how the synoptic and mesoscale processes must be considered when working a case like this
  • Focus on small-scale terrain influences when making a forecast during a complex dynamical situation in this region