Lake moisture/upslope visualized

By DAN ROBINSON Editor/Photographer

This visible satellite image from yesterday is a great example of lake effect moisture and upslope snow conditions, typical with northwest flow into the Appalachians. Notice the stream of clouds (indicating lake-enhanced moisture) off of the lakes, the thickening of the clouds as they hit the mountains (upslope snow) and then the abrupt end of the clouds on the eastern end of the Appalachians (marking the start of downsloping, which results in warming and drying):

Click to enlarge

A while back, I put together a short write-up on Appalachian upslope snow (a significant weather-maker for WV in the winter).