The most powerful atmospheric river of the season so far is now imminent and will reach our coast later tomorrow (Monday).
Atmospheric rivers are fascinating creatures. Why does the atmosphere concentrate water vapor into fast moving narrow currents? And why do such currents provide such bountiful precipitation and are so optimal for promoting floods and landslides? These questions are among those that I and others have researched over the past decades and pretty much understand.
Below is a graphic showing the key parameter that characterizes atmosphere rivers, something called Integrated Water Vapor Transport (IVT),that is forecast for Monday night at 10 PM. IVT is essentially the magnitude of the water vapor being moved by the atmospheric. Mathematically, water vapor constant times wind speed.
In tis figure, the blue areas are locations with very high values of IVT (over 800 in the units shown)
Bringing a lot of water vapor in the area provides a source of water for clouds and precipitation, particularly as air is forced to rise on our terrain.
A group at Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego even have an atmospheric rating system, similar to Saffir-Simpson Scale for hurricanes (Category 1-5)--see below-- and it based on the IVT and duration. The event we will experience this week will reach at least a Category 3 level!
What makes these event particularly threatening is that there will be two major pulses of large amounts of water vapor intrusion.... one late Monday/Tuesday and the other Wednesday morning, something shown by the forecasts of water vapor transports at those times (see below). Each is associated with separate low pressure centers and strong winds.
You notice how the values decreases as the moisture plumes move inland? Why do you think that is?
The answer is that water vapor is being precipitated out as rain and thus lost from the atmosphere. The mountains are squeezing out the water vapor like one would do by squeezing a sponge.
But you want to see the precipitation, I'm sure.
For the 72 hours ending at 4 PM Wednesday, there will be 5-10 inches on the windward side of regional terrain, with some places getting OVER 10 inches near the CA/Oregon border. Oregon is in the bullseye of this event. And such heavy rain will be falling over regions that had the big fires last September, which is an issue of concern.
Atmospheric rivers generally are associated with warm air, and this one is no different, with freezing levels rising to 5000-6000 ft on Tuesday. Not good for skiing at Snoqualmie those days.
Finally, why are there atmospheric rivers in the first place? For us here in the Pacific Northwest, they are associated with situations with higher than normal pressure over California and lower than normal pressure over Alaska. The result is a large pressure gradient between the two the produces strong southwesterly flow that pulls warm, moist air into our region.
To illustrate, check out the forecast map of heights (like pressure) at around 5000 ft for Tuesday morning. Temperatures is shown by shading and winds by wind barbs. A low near Alaska and high pressure/heights off of CA. A big change in pressure and thus strong winds (from the southwest), bringing the warm, juicy air towards us.
Wondering about the polar vortex- is it really weakening and does that increase the chance for snow in the northern Willamette Valley or SW WA?
ReplyDeleteNo snow for the lowlands in view.
ReplyDeleteSigh. Thanks.
DeleteCliff love your blog keep doing what you're doing. Very informative and interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat does 'cin' represent in the image with the rain totals?
ReplyDeleteHundredths of an inch.
DeleteHow far out is the no snow forecast...are we gonna basically get shutout this year...would like to see some flakes...not asking for a blizzard but something other than rain would be a nice change...
ReplyDeleteSnow would be fun, but it has been just way, WAY too warm. Most might settle for a few days respite featuring nothing but honest bright sun. As in no fog/drizzle/clouds or ANY manifestations of moisture of any kind. As in DRY! Seems this winter is going to be defined by the monotony of 55 degrees and pouring down tropical rain. In a global context, it could be worse!
DeleteDon't get too excited, but the long range models have been somewhat consistently showing a big cold intrusion for the end of the month around the 23rd or so, something to keep an eye on.
DeleteWhat is our lowland snow outlook this winter do you think?
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ReplyDeleteHow does this atmospheric river compare to the event we had in Dec '19, specifically in the Puget Sound?
ReplyDeleteThanks Cliff! Would it be possible to get an explanation of what i've been reading about, the Sudden Stratospheric Warming, and how/if that will impact the Northwest?
ReplyDeleteYou bet.... an interesting story there.
DeleteSo after watching the local forecasts, a few days ago they were lamenting that Oregon was still "abnormally dry," since the Nov/Dec rainfall/snow totals were a little bit below average. Of course, now they've pivoted to the "OMG huge rainfall watch out for flash floods and warmer temps will wipe out the snowpack!" It never changes - bad news sells, always.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, Cliff; thanks so much for keeping us informed! Do these atmospheric rivers go as far north as Alaska? If not, how far north does one see them?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting view into this week’s events. I think the rainfall forecast through tomorrow was a little pessimistic as here in Fauntleroy we’re already within 0.25” of the upper bound with 30 hours left to go. We look to be hitting the 3-4” range by the end of these events.
ReplyDeleteThat last image was very interesting, reminds me of the Hot Wheels power pack that has counter rotating foam wheels that squeeze the cars and accelerate them forward. The wind speeds look like almost the same effect happens in the atmosphere. Accelerating the air speeds as well as squeezing the moisture into a narrow band.