Climatology of mountain waves over eastern Canada

In comparison with major and well-known mountain ranges such as the Alps or the Rockies, significant mountain wave activity has not often been associated with the relatively modest orography of Eastern Canada. However, the study of conditions favourable to their development as well as numerous cases has led to the conclusion that mountain waves and their associated turbulence and downslope windstorms are very frequent over this area, to the point where it can be considered a daily challenge for operational aviation/public forecasters in Eastern Canada. A multitude of cases, featuring impressive satellite imagery and highlighting the different types of mountain waves as well as the various locations favourable to their development, are presented. Statistics such as area/frequency of occurrence and diurnal/seasonal variations are also included.