Much of the weather information skiers and snowboarders rely on begins with technology most people never see. NOAA’s Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor system, known as MRMS, is helping meteorologists build a more detailed picture of the atmosphere across the United States every day.
Developed by the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, MRMS combines information from more than 180 weather radars with satellite imagery, lightning detection networks, rain gauges and computer models. The system produces a high-resolution three-dimensional view of the atmosphere that is updated every two minutes.
That technology can be particularly valuable in mountainous regions, where terrain can create major challenges for traditional weather radar.
“Rather than switching between different radars or radars and a satellite or models, the forecaster gets a coherent, seamless, single picture of what’s happening in the atmosphere.” – Race Clark, MRMS Program Lead and NSSL Researcher.
Why MRMS Matters for Skiing
Mountain weather can change quickly, and accurate precipitation estimates are critical for determining where snow and rain are falling and how much is accumulating.
Traditional radar measurements can struggle with mountains, atmospheric conditions and precipitation that changes between the radar and the ground. MRMS attempts to account for those complications while filtering out non-weather signals and combining multiple sources of information.
For skiers the benefits extend beyond simply knowing whether a storm is approaching. More accurate precipitation information can help meteorologists understand snowfall patterns, monitor heavy precipitation and identify conditions that could contribute to flooding or other hazards around mountain communities.
The system’s high-resolution data can also help forecasters track precipitation in rugged terrain where conventional observations may be limited.
Improving Severe Weather Warnings
MRMS also plays an important role in public safety. Its precipitation data is incorporated into National Weather Service forecasting systems, helping meteorologists identify developing flood threats and other dangerous conditions.
“MRMS has given signals to us forecasters that have come in quicker to allow us to issue a flood advisory or even go flood warning.” – Kaitlin Schueth, a lead meteorologist with the NWS Norman Weather Forecast Office.
Gregory Waller of the NWS West Gulf River Forecast Center said the technology has improved both forecast accuracy and warning lead time.
“It’s not hyperbolic to say this information, this advancement in technology has helped save lives.” – Gregory Waller
For the skiing industry, where weather can influence everything from snowfall and avalanche conditions to road access and mountain operations, improvements in atmospheric observations can have an impact far beyond the forecast screen.