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Numerical Simulation of the 9-10 June 1972 Black Hills Storm Using CSU RAMSStrong easterly flow of low-level moist air over the eastern slopes of the Black Hills on 9-10 June 1972 generated a storm system that produced a flash flood, devastating the area. Based on observations from this storm event, and also from the similar Big Thompson 1976 storm event, conceptual models have been developed to explain the unusually high precipitation efficiency. In this study, the Black Hills storm is simulated using the Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System. Simulations with homogeneous and inhomogeneous initializations and different grid structures are presented. The conceptual models of storm structure proposed by previous studies are examined in light of the present simulations. Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous initialization results capture the intense nature of the storm, but the inhomogeneous simulation produced a precipitation pattern closer to the observed pattern. The simulations point to stationary tilted updrafts, with precipitation falling out to the rear as the preferred storm structure. Experiments with different grid structures point to the importance of removing the lateral boundaries far from the region of activity. Overall, simulation performance in capturing the observed behavior of the storm system was enhanced by use of inhomogeneous initialization.
Document ID
19980018995
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Nair, U. S.
(South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD United States)
Hjelmfelt, Mark R.
(South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD United States)
Pielke, Roger A., Sr.
(Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Weather Monthly
Publisher: American Meterological Society
Volume: 125
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:207278
NASA/CR-97-207278
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-93-06754
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-542
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF OSR-94-52894
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-23360
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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