Investigating stability evolution of two winter storms using mobile GAUS data

Two winter storms occurring in early 2005 during the Research on Convectine Snow (ROCS) field study phase are investigated in order to further define the evolution of the stability profile of each case. The first event, occurring 15 March 2005 in Dumas, TX, produced heavy snow over several hours while the second event, occurring 19 March 2005 in St. James, MN, not only produced heavy snow but also exhibited electrical activity. Both events displayed similar synoptic environments, although were geographically distant from one another. Thorough case studies are underway with special emphasis on the evolution of the vertical structure of the atmosphere during each event as determined by the NCAR mobile GPS Advanced Upper Air Sounding System (GAUS). These case studies will be completed with both the field data gathered during each event, and initial fields from the RUC2 model. Outcomes of this study will set the stage for a larger study involving archived thundersnow cases from the past six years.