A silhouette terrain analysis method was developed for use in the Naval Research Laboratory's mesoscale model (COAMPS^tm). Several model simulations have been conducted over the CONUS and a European domain to compare the model performance using the enveloping and silhouette terrain. The results not only show that the silhouette method gives a better terrain representation but also improves the model statistics especially within the lower planetary boundary layer. Model quantitative precipitation forecast scores derived through comparison with the NCEP rain analysis over CONUS also benefit from the improved representation of the model terrain using the silhouette technique. The paper will discuss the enveloping and silhouette terrain options that are available in COAMPS. The forecast sensitivity to the choices of silhouette parameters will be addressed. Comparison of the simulations from the enveloping and new silhouette methods will also be presented.