Tracking Blowing Snow with NOAA Satellite Imagery

Blowing snow results from strong surface winds coinciding with a fresh snowpack. In the United States, these conditions most often occur during the winter months across higher elevations, the northern plains, and parts of Alaska. Blowing snow poses a significant threat to public safety as it can quickly and drastically reduce surface visibility, impacting both ground and air transportation. Given this hazard, operational meteorologists develop forecasts and monitor observational data for blowing snow. They mention blowing snow in forecast discussions, include it in forecast grids and TAFs, and even issue blizzard warnings when visibility drops below ¼ mile due to blowing snow. To confirm the presence of blowing snow, forecasters most often view surface weather observations, webcams, and reports from human observers and law enforcement. While reliable where available, these methods lack spatial continuity.

With the improved spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution from the GOES-R series of NOAA geostationary weather satellites, a new tool for detecting blowing snow was introduced. Since its inception in 2017, forecasters have used GOES-R imagery for blowing snow detection inconsistently, utilizing a variety of single bands and less-than-ideal RGBs to complete the task. Recently, researchers and forecasters collaborated to develop a dedicated Blowing Snow RGB that combines four ABI bands to provide an imagery product specifically for highlighting blowing snow. The Blowing Snow RGB was also adapted to the JPSS VIIRS instrument, allowing for higher spatial resolution to supplement the GOES product. This is especially beneficial to high-latitude forecasters, such as those in NWS Alaska, where VIIRS imagery is available more often.. This presentation will share examples of both the GOES and VIIRS Blowing Snow RGB over the US plains and Alaska, along with feedback and perspectives from operational users.