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Old March 3rd 16, 05:30 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Papa3[_2_]
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Default Is SKEW-T still important to soaring pilots ?

Not comprehensive, but:

- Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) height
- Total cloud cover
- Low level cloud cover
- Lifted condensation level (LCL)
- Winds (10M, 850MB)

In particular, the HRRR seems to do an excellent job of handling clouds, both convective and upper air. For instance, if you're worried about a forecast cirrus shield moving in (or out), I've found that the Total Cloud cover really helps develop that situational awareness. "Looks like the north area might get shut down later, let's task the fleet there early and get them back to the south before it starts shutting down". Also very useful to use the cloudbase calculations from XCSoar or DrJack. On ridge days provides detailed view of wind field.

P3