Many of us have heard the saying ‘Well, if you don’t like the weather now, wait 5 minutes and it will change”. While this saying is probably not accurate in most situations, weather does change often and in some cases its due to meso-scale weather phenomenon. Meso-scale refers to the size of the weather phenomenon, which is generally a few miles up to several hundred miles. For this presentation the weather phenomenons that occur on the smaller side will be explored. This will include lake effect snow events, localized blowing snow events, and freezing drizzle/rain events among other high impactful winter maintenance weather events. Contrary to popular belief, lake event snow events can be predicted with a high level of confidence, at least from the occurrence of an event. One of the biggest issues is where will lake effect snow will occur. There are places within the United States that are logical locations for lake effect snow events but many locations will receive lake effect snow in convective type snow showers. This means snow will occur, with high snow rates, for a short duration of time. These snow showers can make winter maintenance decision making very difficult. In highly traveled locations it can also present travelers with dangerous travel conditions. This presentation will cover the conditions needed for lake effect snow events and how maintenance decision makers can analyze a forecast to make the best decision possible. Details of local blowing snow events and freezing rain/drizzle events will also be discussed. Case studies depicting the challenges of forecasting these situations will be presented and how maintenance supervisors can review these weather forecasts for their operations.
Contributor/Source
Ben Hershey;Leah Daily Jones
Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
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APWA Guides provide guidance to public works professionals on a specific a topic.
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
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Toolboxes are curated guides offering valuable tips on a variety of public works-related topics.