Applied Weather Associates

About AWA

Applied Weather Associates specializes in regional and site-specific Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) studies. We excel in developing applications designed to provide solutions using advanced hydrometeorological analysis. We provide quality high-resolution meteorological analysis and data for use in hydrologic model calibration and validation, forensic meteorology, and weather modification. Our team employs expert analysis, innovative approaches, and state-of-the-science technology to provide our clients with consistently reliable products accepted by appropriate regulators. We operate with integrity and strive to build and maintain strong relationships with our clients, partners, and community. Our PMP studies have received regulator (Federal/State/Local) approval.
We specialize in:

Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) analysis
Hydrometeorology applications
Gridded precipitation and meteorological variables for Model Calibration and Validation
Rainfall analysis using SPAS
Forensic meteorology

AWA History

Applied Weather Associates, LLC (AWA) is a small business located in Monument, Colorado, incorporated in 1996. AWA specializes in meteorological analyses and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications with emphasis on Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) and rainfall analysis. AWA employs numerous meteorologists and GIS specialists. Regional, statewide, and site-specific PMP studies have been the primary activity during the last several years, with more than 80 PMP projects completed over the last 18 years and several currently in progress. AWA PMP studies have been accepted by state and Federal dam regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), numerous state dam regulatory offices including Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Texas, and many are under review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In addition, our studies have been accepted by Canadian dam regulators.

AWA Background

AWA has completed PMP studies for many locations across North America, from Maine to Washington to California and throughout southern Canada and Alaska. The sizes of the regions studied vary from entire states to basins less than one square mile. Each study is comprehensive in its approach for determining PMP values based on the unique geographic location, topography and climate of the region where the study is located. Emphasis is placed on using procedures outlined by the National Weather Service in its Hydrometeorological Reports and the World Meteorological Organization in its PMP manual while applying advanced analysis and data processing techniques. AWA has also completed over 400 new storm analyses using our Storm Precipitation Analysis System (SPAS) across the US and Canada. These data are used in projects related to PMP determination, model calibration, model validation, and forensic testimony. AWA is a leader in identifying and incorporating new technologies and meteorological data into extreme rainfall studies and provides complete services related to meteorological databases and precipitation analyses. SPAS has incorporated NEXRAD weather radar data when available and calibrates the data hourly with rain gauge observations to provide rainfall for periods as short as every five minutes with a spatial resolution of approximately 1/3rd square mile. Extensive use of GIS provides detailed and reproducible PMP analysis results.

AWA has developed refinements and improvements related to the HMR methods and procedures with updated technologies and meteorological understanding incorporated. These improvements provide more reliable analysis results for incorporating site-specific characteristics of a basin and understanding of the meteorological characteristics of the PMP rainfall. Examples of the improved procedures developed, implemented, and accepted by Federal and state regulators for use in deriving PMP include quantifiable and reproducible orographic analysis; spatial distribution of PMP rainfall; areal timing of PMP rainfall; spatial, temporal, and magnitude analyses of historic rainfalls; updated rainfall analyses of recent extreme rainfall events; and updated sea surface temperature/dew point climatologies used for storm maximization and storm transpositioning. Many of the updated procedures that will be used have been reviewed and accepted by numerous peer reviewers including the FERC, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and several state dam regulators as part of AWA's other PMP studies.

AWA is in a unique position to provide PMP and rainfall analysis that no other competitor can provide, as we have the most comprehensive storm database available, have developed updated dew point and sea surface temperature climatologies for use in storm maximization and transposition, have familiarity in working with numerous regulatory agencies, and have updated the methods used to produce PMP values in orographically influenced regions.