GR level 3 or GR level 2AE for chasing

[Brian Russell]

Good morning,

I am wondering what GR radar product is preferred for active chases, I have a laptop i use for chasing that runs gr level 3 version 1.0 or 1.9 whatever it is called just fine, however it will not run the latest version which i believe to be gr level3 2.0 or gr level 2ae due to its video card. I have seen gr level 2ae in 3d mode and really think that would be a much easier to use radar program since it will show the storm in 3d. think it would be much easier to use since you wouldn't have to actually study the images shown to pick a cell to chase.

 

[Paul Knightley]

It depends on several things, I guess - one being your data plan, as GRL2AE will eat more data if you're making the 3D images. I use GRL3 (and these days, RadarScope on the iPad too).

Another thing to consider is what you're actually using the radar for. Personally, it's to decide which storm may be best for an intercept, initially (as well as looking for boundaries in 'clear air' mode), but also as a method for keeping track on severe warnings, surface obs, etc etc. For me, seeing the storm in 3D, whilst looking cool, probably isn't going to give me a great deal extra when in full-on chase mode - there's quite a lot to keep on top of, and I don't see what it would add.

Also, any radar product is only useful up to a point: looking out of the window at what's going on in true real-time can give you a lot more clues than radar, once you're on the storm.

 

[Brian Russell]

that is true, once I have actually picked the cell to intercept, looking outside is much better than any radar could ever be. just thinking seeing the cells in 3d mode would be easier to pick one to intercept than having to actually look for the signature of a severe storm on the regular gr level 3 radar

 

[STexan]

I use echo tops mode a lot in the early pre-initiation stages especially where distant visibility is obstructed by mixed clouds. this gives me a heads-up and I can move a little closer for a better real-time assessment if the situation may call for it. They can't get going good before the tops breach a certain altitude

 

[Rob H]

GR2AE might be a good idea if you:

1) Never have an issue downloading Level 2 scans, which are significantly larger than Level 3 scans, even in places with poor Internet connectivity (ie. most of Chase Alley)
2) Have a useful methodology for picking a cell that is only possible in GR2AE
3) Have the time to take 10 minutes and look at 3D visualizations of storms while they're exploding all around you

So... what I'm saying is GR2AE is not good at all for chasing, and I've never heard of a single person using it

think it would be much easier to use since you wouldn't have to actually study the images shown to pick a cell to chase

Where does this idea come from? What will a 3D view show you that you can't infer from a 2D image? Have you successfully chased storms before and found something lacking in Level 3 data that GR2AE would give you? Maybe you visualize things differently and think this might help, and it could, but for the reasons listed above it's somewhat difficult to use GR2AE in the field.

Forecasters with a lot of radar experience sitting at a desk like to use GR2AE to easily look for things like BWERs, but for chasing you don't really need that. You need to be able to assess the near storm environment, general character of the storm, presence of overshooting top/thermal couplet, signs of deep, persistent rotation, etc. Then you need to pick a road network to get you there. You already have your hands full and more than enough data with Level 3 at your disposal.

 

[Matt Hunt]

Not much to add, here... level 3 is all you need for chasing, and GR 2.0 isn't necessary. Dual-pol products aren't necessary for chasing, though 2.0 has some other features that are nice over 1.0, but certainly not necessary. Like others, I mainly use radar to see the storms when I can't physically see them in the sky. I'll then glance at it when I'm looking at the storm just to see if there's rotation, or how good the rotation looks on the radar, and the intensity/trends of the storm, but usually at that point the GPS is on the screen more often.

 

[Rob H]

Dual-pol products aren't necessary for chasing

HCA is really nice for chasing. I've tested it on a dozen or two hail cores and it is extremely accurate. If I could only pick three radar products, it would be base reflectivity, sr velocity, and HCA.

 

[Brian Russell]

thats true that level 2 data uses alot more data and bandwith to process and may take longer to analyze, but the eye candy sure looks cool and something cool to play with going down the road. gr level 3 has never let me down, however it doesnt look as cool

 

[John Wetter]

I just don't know how someone would actually have the time to look at the volumetric browser when chasing... There is plenty already going on. If it's about the radar 'looking cool', you may want to re-evaluate your strategy.

 

[Shawn Schuman]

Honestly there's not much useful information for a chaser to glean from volumetric displays, even if data wasn't an issue. If you're in position, you'll get a lot more information (and a much "cooler" display) by observing it visually. If you're not in position, you probably aren't gonna want (nor need) to take the time to play with the volume rendering anyhow. It's really fun to play with and it can be fascinating to go back and investigate past events (which is what I use it for), but I can't imagine using it during a chase even if I could.

 

[rdale]

I run AE while chasing but primarily for the BREF resolution and hail/rotation markers. No volume analysis on the road

 

[Matt Hunt]

HCA is really nice for chasing. I've tested it on a dozen or two hail cores and it is extremely accurate. If I could only pick three radar products, it would be base reflectivity, sr velocity, and HCA.

Hmm, I've only glanced at it, but when I did it looked like the "hail" was just the highest dbz. I'll have to try it out in the field.

 

[Brian Russell]

since gr level 2 ae requires much more data and bandwith, you might also be able to get alot more intercepts as well even though alot will likely be unplanned, which would add to the excitement. gr level 3 has never let me down, it has always worked well for me but if there is a cool product out i want to have it.

 

[bradjones]

I would say that using radar data is only good to look at just to see what direction storm is moving and to see further development. I feel that Radar data is cool to look at when your are virtual chasing from your home next to a desktop when you can't chase.

 

[rdale]

I'm not sure how you can say that... You can see rotation in embedded lines, you can find hail cores before they find you, in a string of storms you can get a better idea of which ones to target, etc. Radar data is INCREDIBLY useful as a chase tool and safety tool.