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Transition from Research to Operations: Assessing Value of Experimental Forecast Products within the NWSFO EnvironmentThe NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center seeks to accelerate the infusion of NASA Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) observations, data assimilation and modeling research into NWS forecast operations and decision-making. To meet long-term program expectations, it is not sufficient simply to give forecasters sophisticated workstations or new forecast products without fully assessing the ways in which they will be utilized. Close communication must be established between the research and operational communities so that developers have a complete understanding of user needs. In turn, forecasters must obtain a more comprehensive knowledge of the modeling and sensing tools available to them. A major goal of the SPoRT Program is to develop metrics and conduct assessment studies with NWS forecasters to evaluate the impacts and benefits of ESE experimental products on forecast skill. At a glance the task seems relatively straightforward. However, performing assessment of experimental products in an operational environment is demanding. Given the tremendous time constraints placed on NWS forecasters, it is imperative that forecaster input be obtained in a concise unobtrusive manor. Great care must also be taken to ensure that forecasters understand their participation will eventually benefit them and WFO operations in general. Two requirements of the assessment plan developed under the SPoRT activity are that it 1) Can be implemented within the WFO environment; and 2) Provide tangible results for BOTH the research and operational communities. Supplemental numerical quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF) were chosen as the first experimental SPoRT product to be evaluated during a Pilot Assessment Program conducted 1 May 2003 within the Huntsville AL National Weather Service Forecast Office. Forecast time periods were broken up into six- hour bins ranging from zero to twenty-four hours. Data were made available for display in AWIPS on an operational basis so they could be efficiently incorporated into the forecast process. The methodology used to assess the value of experimental QPFs compared to available operational products is best described as a three-tier approach involving both forecasters and research scientists. Tier-one is a web-based survey completed by duty forecasters on the aviation and public desks. The survey compiles information on how the experimental product was used in the forecast decision making process. Up to 6 responses per twenty-four hours can be compiled during a precipitation event. Tier-two consists of an event post mortem and experimental product assessment performed daily by the NASA/NWS Liaison. Tier-three is a detailed breakdown/analysis of specific events targeted by either the NWS SO0 or SPoRT team members. The task is performed by both NWS and NASA research scientists and may be conducted once every couple of months. The findings from the Pilot Assessment Program will be reported at the meeting.
Document ID
20040035651
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lapenta, William M.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Wohlman, Richard
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Bradshaw, Tom
(Weather Service Forecast Office Huntsville, AL, United States)
Burks, Jason
(Weather Service Forecast Office Huntsville, AL, United States)
Jedlovec, Gary
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Goodman, Steve
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Darden, Chris
(Weather Service Forecast Office Huntsville, AL, United States)
Meyer, Paul
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: 20th Conference on Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: January 11, 2004
End Date: January 15, 2004
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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