This case study describes a numerical simulation of an intense Christmas holiday snowstorm in eastern Idaho.  The weather model is the WRF-UEMS, configured at 12- and 4-km domains with various physical parameterizations.  Dr. Andretta was a senior meteorologist on duty during the most intense phase of the storm at the National Weather Service office in Pocatello, Idaho.  This weather event shattered several snowfall records for the area, including 13.0 inches at KPIH (Pocatello Regional Airport).  For more information, please see this journal paper on the Christmas Blizzard of December 26, 2003.  The figures in the slideshow (below) illustrate several meteorological factors associated with the major snowstorm including: a large comma-cloud shield indicating the upper-level cyclone, synoptic- and meso-scale snowbands, and nocturnal convective snowsqualls.

  • States
  • Eastern Idaho
  • KSFX WSR-88D Precipitation
  • Satellite Image 1
  • Satellite Image 2
  • Surface Analysis 1
  • Surface Analysis 2
  • KSFX WSR-88D Reflectivity 1
  • KSFX WSR-88D Reflectivity 2
  • KSFX WSR-88D Reflectivity 3
  • KSFX WSR-88D Reflectivity 4
  • WRF Model Domains 1
  • WRF Model Domains 2
  • WRF Model MSLP 1
  • WRF Model MSLP 2
  • WRF Model MSLP 3
  • WRF Model MSLP 4
  • WRF Model Snow 1
  • WRF Model Snow 2
  • WRF Model Snow 3
  • WRF Model Snow 4
  • Seeder Feeder Mechanism
  • SRP Convergence Zone
  • Upslope Flow
  • Convective Instability 1
  • Convective Instability 2
  • Convective Instability 3