Winter Storms in the Central Himalayas

• DOI: 10.2151/jmsj.2004.829
• Publication Date: 2004-12-22T10:42:53Z
• Authors: Timothy J LANG; Ana P BARROS
• Keywords: Winter storm; Orographic lift; Hydrometeorology; Precipitation types; Orography

Based on observations from a hydrometeorological network the eastern slopes of Annapurna Range, nearly all annual precipitation at low elevations (< 2000 m MSL) in Nepal is liquid form, even during winter. However, high (> 3000 can receive up to 40% their as snowfall winter, with highest altitude stations (∼4000 MSL and above) having most total winter (which exceed 100 cm). Significant snowstorms are associated terrain-locked low-pressure systems that form when an upper-level disturbance passes over notch formed by Himalayas Hindu Kush mountains (the so-called Western Disturbances), causing SW flow central orographically forced precipitation. these results, 30-year (1973-2002) climatology depressions developed reveals significant interannual variability Himalayan storms exists. Weak but statistically correlation between Polar/Eurasia teleconnection pattern was found, suggesting strength circumpolar vortex may affect number passing through region. A typical snow event (11 February 2000) subject observational modeling case study. Local (snow rain) other meteorological observations, well satellite (Meteosat-5 TRMM) NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis data were used, along cloud-resolving model realistic topography. This study shows wintertime only occurs large-scale evolves favorable geometry respect mountains.