Atmospheric Instability and Cloud Development - Topographic Lifting

  • Simply, air is forced up and over a topographical barrier - such as a hill or mountain

  • the windward side will be cloudy and wet as air ascends

  • the leeward side will be warmer and drier as the air descends - often called a rain shadow

QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:

What direction would the wind be coming from for a rain shadow to be observed here at LSC due to flow over the White Mountains?