Definition and use of interpolated weather parameters for operational estimation and prediction of atmospheric stability

Methods are explored for estimating atmospheric stability characteristics over a large, continuous area of complex terrain, namely Montana and Idaho states. Ground-based weather observations and upper-air soundings can be combined with satellite-derived data and NCEP weather model predictions to provide spatially continuous estimation and prediction of atmospheric stability. Operational use of these estimations is explored for the purpose of smoke management and aerial spraying of forests in complex terrain.