Investigation of the 31 May 2003 MCS with leading stratiform precipitation from BAMEX

Recent modeling work has elaborated on the structures and dynamics of front fed convective lines with leading stratiform precipitation (sometimes referred to as the FFLS mode). However, very few detailed observational studies of such systems have been undertaken. An FFLS convective system was observed on 31 May 2003 and was sampled by the Bow Echo and MCV Experiment (BAMEX). Airborne radar, dropsondes, and Mobile Integrated Profiling System (MIPS) data will be used to evaluate the hypothesized roles of system outflow strength and shear on the evolution of the observed FFLS case, as well as the hypothesized mechanism for destabilization of system inflow by the leading precipitation. Because of the unprecedented resolution of the BAMEX data, a detailed description of an observed FFLS system will at last be presented.