Winter Storms of January 15/16 2007. Two frontal systems are clearly visible. Also visible are the orographic impact of Sierras, lake effect snows of Great Lakes, and the impact of elevation on snow levels at the boundary of the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range

                                                                                                                                        <>

Sierra Nevadas: Note snow line. Elevations in Sierras are highest on the eastern boundary. Also visible in this picture are the SW trending drainages on the Sierras. The predominate joint system in the Sierras run perpendicular to the crest of the chain. Plus, the Sierras are a massive block that tilts westward. That, combined with the windward moisture creates the drainage system visible.

Also clearly visible is the San Andreas fault system (click next to see a dotted line showing you the location). The northern end of the fault clearly separates Point Reyes from the rest of the coastline.

Southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau is clearly visible by the snow boundary. There is a major elevation change at the edge of the Plateau (at least 4,000 feet in some locations). The elevations of the Colorado Plateau range from 4000 feet to above 11,000 feet. The Basin and Range has much more varied topography, with some basins below sea level and ranges above 11,000 feet.

Frontal B

oundary

Northwest winds associated with the passing front are clear…especially with lake effect snows and clouds (notice that clouds/snow are forming on the SE portion of the lakes. The frontal boundary is also obvious to the SE.

Not sure what’s up with this wind direction.