Subsynoptic Environment Associated with Two Intermountain Severe Thunderstorm Events

摘要

Severe thunderstorms in the basin and plateau regions of the western US can have a significant influence on the economy and population of the area. In general, thunderstorms in the intermountain region (i.e., the region between the Cascade Range and Rocky Mountains) are associated with two processes: (1) orographic effects and (2) dynamic features. We investigated two severe thunderstorm events that affected the Columbia Basin during the evenings of 23 April and 30 April 1981. These events were associated with similar synoptic patterns and appeared to exhibit the same characteristics throughout their life histories. The purpose of this paper is to (1) bring attention to severe thunderstorms in the intermountain region, (2) identify possible mechanisms and processes associated with the 23 April and 30 April thunderstorm events, and (3) aid forecasters in recognizing synoptic and subsynoptic features that may initiate and maintain convection in this region. 13 refs., 12 figs. (ERA citation 13:006406)