SpotWx

[Alton]

Yesterday over our trash talk session, Bret suggested another forecast site SpotWx

https://spotwx.com/

Here is the HRDPS model for Squamish today and tomorrow

https://spotwx.com/products/grib_index. ... /Vancouver

SpotWx.jpg (60.46 KiB) Viewed 10169 times

[ZeroR2]

For thermal winds, I would us the PWG & PWE forecast models. They use a 1 km resolution.

www.predictwind.com

[shmish]

For thermal winds, I would us the PWG & PWE forecast models. They use a 1 km resolution.

http://www.predictwind.com

Have you been happy with it? I took out a subscription and thought it was pretty poor. Howe Sound predictions didn’t match at all, even looking ahead 1 hour. Jericho was grossly overestimated a few times, the windguru gfs was more accurate. Maybe I should keep watching it, perhaps I’ve just noticed a few bad predictions.

[ZeroR2]

SpotWx has the HRDPS model, which is great for Kite surfers. It has the 40 meter wind vs surface model.

PWE & PWG has 1 km forecast and they mention Squamish in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDNK3iK ... e=youtu.be

I have no experience with either models. We need to test and see which model works for each location.

[shmish]

PWG and PWE calling for hook in and hold on at Squamish tomorrow, starting at 6am.

[ZeroR2]

PWG and PWE calling for hook in and hold on at Squamish tomorrow, starting at 6am.

I say hook in and hold, wait for the morning update or refund.

Squamish, Tueday 14:00 hour -

24 PWG
27 PWE
5 ECMWF
5 GFS
11 HRRR
10 HRDPS

Who is right?

[ZeroR2]

I contacted them this afternoon. Here is their response. Hopefully they will focus on this area.


Thanks for making contact.

I've had a look at your Squamish location and the other location you have set up in your area and agree our PWE and PWG 1km 24hr models are off. Our 8km Wind maps for the areas seem in line with the GFS and ECMWF models but the 1km model appear out for the area.

After checking with our development team they reckon our 1km algorithm, which is used for all our 1km areas around the world, is struggling with your particular area.

As our tables use the 1km resolution forecasts for the 1st 24 hrs this is where the difference in the models is very apparent. The long term forecasts are a lot more in line with the other models as they use the 8km resolution.

[JonathanP]

I would expect their thermal model only works well for less precise scales, like a sea breeze on a broad and straight shoreline. There's no way it takes into account all the topography between Vancouver and Pemberton where the infamous gradient sets up, especially if it's on a frequent national scale. Not to mention that the wind measurement we're looking for is in a tiny venturi space of about 1-2sqkm.

[Ryan]

For those interested in forecasting there are some interesting details here about along channel winds and details specifically about Howe Sound:

https://unbc.arcabc.ca/islandora/object/unbc%3A16957

Abstract:
Strong along-channel winds on the coast o f British Columbia have been investigated at several locations. Large-scale (synoptic-scale) atmospheric situations have been determined for different types o f the along-channel winds that blow up and down channels throughout different seasons. Wintertime outflow winds are associated with a sea-level high-pressure area over the interior o f British Columbia caused by an arctic air mass. Wintertime inflows are caused by sea level low- pressure systems that advance toward the coast of British Columbia. Summertime inflows are initiated by a frontal passage or an inland thermal trough. Case studies at Howe Sound are provided utilizing a period of intensive observations. Inflows (outflows) are accompanied by higher (lower) temperature and dew point and caused by an along-channel pressure gradient pointed inland (toward the coast). An outflow case shows potential hydraulic features, and the vertical structures o f two cases indicate a lower gap flow layer within 1-2 km height.