The Effects of Downsloping on Storm Precipitation Distributions in the Capital District of New York State
Abstract
Downsloping is a process which has an impact on many precipitation events in the Capital District of New York State. This study examines the effect of 850 hPa and 925 hPa mean vector wind direction, as well as the individual 850 hPa and 925 hPa wind directions observed through soundings, during precipitation events on precipitation distributions in the Capital District of New York State. Results from this study suggests that 850 hPa and 925 hPa mean vector wind as well as the 850 hPa and 925 hPa wind favor downsloping off of the Greens and Taconics, and therefore lower precipitation totals to the east of Albany when the wind direction is between 30 and 150 degrees. The opposite effect (increased precipitation totals to the east of the Hudson Valley) was observed when there was a strong westerly component of the wind, due to upslope flow.