PNW FENAC Conference Call Notes
May 10, 2011 Meeting called @ 1000 hrs
In Attendance: Teresa Vonn (Chair)
Jason Loomis (Vice-Chair)
John Saltenberger
Todd Rankin
Brian Potter
Steve Todd
Krisann Kosel
Louisa Evers
Discussion Items
Jason L.
Discussion opened up with introductions of attendees, background experience and current role as
NWCC Fire Analyst and FENAC vice-chair. Brief discussion on NWCC Decision Support Center DSC and
the solicitation of detailer analysts.
Jason L.
2012 Fire Behavior Workshop to be held the week of January 17th in Vancouver, WA. Group needs to
start “brainstorming” agenda ideas, topics and format. Jason is soliciting to the field potential topics and
items of interest. June meeting will further discuss workshop and address any developing topics.
Brain P.
Suggestion was made to revisit goals and operational documents and recommended posting to web.
Additionally the charter needs to be updated to reflect recent changes.
Action Item: Jason L. will follow up with Pat Kelly for updates and posting to web.
John S.
Update to the national RAWS optimization study conducted by Dr. Tim Brown from the Desert Research
Institute (draft document available to those interested) final product to be delivered to NWCG May 19th.
Brief discussion of regional study and task ordered by PNWCG, advisory council will await comments
from the national study before pursuing regional study further.
Action Item: John will distribute a draft copy of the national study to those interested in
reviewing.
Steve T.
Changes to NWS Forecast, gridded forecasting will be integrated eventually opposed to the current
point forecast method. Stay tuned to official change and specifics as it relates to updated forecasting.
John S.
Lightning activity forecast and analysis update. Prior to 2010 Visala was the primary data provider for
lightning data. Weather Services International (WSI) in 2010 became the vendor. Preliminary analysis
has been completed by NWS fire weather forecasters and found some interesting statistical correlation.
The new system shows almost a 2:1 ratio of lightning strikes. Additional analysis is needed to verify
accuracy and certainty.
John has requested funding $2500 to purchase 2010 data from Visala for the purposes of conducting
additional analysis between the two providers.
Next quarterly meeting to be held in June, Jason to submit Doodle poll.
Meeting adjourned 1050 hrs.