WCM ALERT                 by John Fausett      Warning Coordination Meteorologist      National Weather Service Santa Teresa/El Paso

I suppose we should begin with the disappointing news. This year's spotter training attendance has been
less than impressive. Aside from Montana Vista, Hillsboro, T or C and Las Cruces, attendance varied
from 0 (yes, zero!) to 4. It has often been said it takes death and destruction to get folks interested, 
but I really don't think that is necessary! Sierra County is to be commended for their participation, and
Grant County has recently awakened with some additional training desired. Personal invitations were
eliminated this year to cut costs, which may have been a contributing factor. In any case future training
will only target agencies truly desiring it.  However, these sessions will be generally open to all, so
please monitor our web site at www.srh.noaa.gov/elp (go to the spotter page) for times and locations.
Veteran spotters should attend every 3 years, because the science does not stand still, and it takes 2
or 3 sessions to absorb the material.

Meanwhile, similar to last year, there has been much interest in the advanced spotter training course.
There will be two advanced spotter sessions this season:

Las Cruces -WED June 27 2001, 6:30 pm at the Public Health Bldg (1170 N. Solano)

El Paso - FRI June 29, 2001, 7:00 pm at the El Paso Fire Dept HQ (8600 Montana)

This spring windy season started slowly, but by mid April it has become a memorable one. On
April 6 a 70 mph gust at the El Paso Airport was the fifth strongest on record in the past 50 years. Only
four days later another widespread high wind event affected most of the borderland. The peak gust of
69 mph at El Paso Airport on April 10 tied for the sixth strongest since 1951. Both of these windstorms
caused widespread damage and power outages. Two "top ten" windstorms within a week is extremely
rare! Although intense downbursts from severe thunderstorms can bring even higher wind gusts, the
duration is much shorter compared to "gradient winds" from strong winter and early spring low pressure
systems. Yes, downbursts can be more destructive in one spot, but gradient winds cover a far greater
area. Both are phenomena the spotter must respect!

Speaking of thunderstorms, don't forget that storms have occasionally produced large hail and even
tornadoes over our area in May and June. The key is getting low-level moisture (the dryline) pushed
west of the eastern mountains and perhaps mid-level moisture from the Gulf of California, all under the
influence of relatively strong winds aloft. Add to these ingredients an upper level disturbance and a cold
front and explosive weather can become a reality. More localized severe weather, along with flash
floods become more common from July through the September. Whatever the cause, spotters-be ready !

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