Orographic Spillover and Invigoration of Lake-Effect Precipitation Downwind of Lake Ontario

The spatial distribution of lake-effect precipitation downwind of Lake Ontario can be influenced by several orographic effects including spillover across the Tug Hill Plateau, a lee-shadow effect over the Black River Valley, and invigoration/persistence over the western Adirondack Mountains. The purpose of this study is to determine factors that influence the strength of these effects. To do this, we use radar-derived precipitation rate estimates from the Montague/Ft. Drum, New York (KTYX) WSR-88D for nine cool seasons (16 November – 15 April) during 2008-17 and develop methods to quantify each effect. Environmental factors affecting the strength of each effect are examined using the ERA-5 reanalysis. Preliminary results are presented and may be useful for improving numerical weather prediction and operational forecasts in the region.