Interesting features along the west coast on 15 August 2017
The GOES-16 data posted on this page are preliminary, non-operational data and are undergoing testing. Users bear all responsibility for inspecting the data prior to use and for the manner in which the data are utilized.
The following loop is the GOES-16 visible (0.64 micron) band centered along the California / Oregon border on the morning of 15 August 2017:
Low clouds exist along the coastline. Offshore, vortex generation is occuring as the vortices move southward. Inland, point sources of smoke with plumes drifting west are observed. Mount Shasta can be seen in the southeast corner of the image with snow at higher elevations. The shadow associated with the rising sun is readily seen on the western slope of the mountain.
Further south along the coast:
We observe a general decrease in the coverage of low clouds as the sun is rising. Numerous vortices are observed associated with island effects. The relative motion of low clouds can provide information on regions that experience gap flow. Identify regions over the land where gap flow appears to exist. Consider how useful this imagery could be towards visibility and ceiling monitoring and short-term forecasting.