This domain is similar to the area contained within the Western Region of the National Weather Service. Analysis Cycle 1km 3-dimensional analyses over northern Utah and 2km surface analyses over the western U.S. are computed valid at the beginning of each hour. The 2 km surface analysis begins at 37 minutes past the hour and is typically done by the beginning of the next hour. Because of the large file size, graphics from the 2 km analysis take up to an additional 30 minutes to complete. The 1 km 3-D analysis over the Wasatch Front begins at 37 minutes past the hour is typically done by the beginning of the next hour.
Graphics typically become available soon after that time.
The 10 km surface analysis is completed every 15 minutes to be consistent with the 15 minute cycle of MesoWest. The analyses are typically processed, graphics generated, and netCDF file delivered to NWS Offices in the NWS Western Region by 45 minutes past the valid time. A Terrain Factor has been added to the Bratseth weights, creating anisotropic zones of influence. This helps to compensate for the strong terrain gradients that exist within the domain, allowing high elevations surface observations to influence data-void regions in nearby mountain ranges, while limiting their effect on the free atmosphere. An analysis of a cold frontal passage over complex terrain in northwest Utah.