Field programs to investigate hazards to aviation in Juneau, Alaska

Since 1997 NCAR has collected anemometer and wind profiler measurements in Juneau, AK to support development of an aviation warning system. Three field projects took place during the winters of 1997-1998, 1999-2000, and 2002-2003 during which additional coordinated measurements were made with several aircraft, the Doppler-on-Wheels scanning radar, and a Doppler lidar. Experience gained in each field project influenced the planning of the next. This presentation will discuss the goals and strategy of the field projects, the difficulty of measuring turbulence and wind shear at low altitudes (approach and departure paths), near steep terrain, and in difficult flying conditions, and lessons learned about making accurate turbulence and wind shear with measurements with aircraft and remote sensors.