National Isaac M. Cline Award Repipients Honored
in Southern Region

Deputy Regional Director Steven Cooper (right) presents national Isaac M. Cline Award to Michael Shultz. (Photographs courtesy of WGRFC)

(Nov. 14, 2005) -- National Weather Service Southern Region Deputy Regional Director Steven Cooper presented national Isaac M. Cline Awards for Hydrometeorology to Hydrologic Forecaster Michael Shultz and former Hydrometeorology and Support Forecaster Keith Stellman. The Cline Award is the agency's highest recognition for operational excellence. Shultz and Stellman were honored for their outstanding work at the West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth, Texas, during a severe weather event in April of last year.

Shultz and Stellman were on duty during the early morning hours of April 6, 2004, as heavy rain drenched the headwaters of the Guadalupe, Frio and Nueces rivers -- just west of San Antonio in the heart of Texas' flood prone hill country. It is a region of rocky soil and steep terrain where dangerous flash floods can develop so quickly that forecasts with warning lead times are difficult to produce.

Despite the difficulty, their experience, situational awareness and understanding of the region's hydrologic characteristics allowed them recognize a serious flood situation was developing and to respond proactively. The result was a series of timely forecasts that included exceptional lead times of four to 17 hours.

"We are very proud of this accomplishment," said Jerry Nunn, hydrologist-in-charge, of the West Gulf River Forecast Center. "This award not only reflects favorably on Shultz and Stellman - but on the entire staff at the West Gulf River Forecast Center."

Each year local, regional and national Cline Award recipients are chosen in eight categories including meteorology; hydrometeorology; engineering, electronics or facilities; hydrology; support services; program management and administration; upper air observation; and, leadership. Presented to individuals and teams, the awards identify and recognize employees for operational excellence in the delivery of products and services in support of the National Weather Service mission.

Deputy Regional Director Steven Cooper presents national Isaac M. Cline Award to Keith Stellman.