RUI: The Fargo Blizzard of 6-8 January 1989

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While much progress has been made in the forecasting of locally heavy snowfalls, there are still times when our technology is not capable of adequately anticipating these events. A major focus of the mesoscale meteorological community is to further our understanding of the processes responsible for locally heavy snows and, therefore, eventually to improve the forecasting of these events. Under the Research in Undergraduate Institutions Program, the Principal Investigator will perform a detailed diagnostic investigation of a record setting snowstorm that occurred in the upper midwest of the U.S. While the forecasts of this storm did indicate that a significant storm would affect the region, the mesoscale (local) features and timing of the heaviest snow were not forecast. In this research, the Principal Investigator will use conventional operational information and data from a local surface network to attempt to test a series of hypotheses that should help clarify the reasons for the timing and quantity of precipitation from this storm. Two undergraduate students will participate fully in this research with one being supported via cost sharing from the Principal Investigator's institution.