LENTICULAR ALTOCUMLULUS CLOUDS

& MOUNTAIN WAVES

Original idea from Joseph Towers

Altocumulus lenticulars, or jet stream clouds of the standing-wave type,

are unique clouds that form above or downwind of a hill or mountain as
strong winds produce waves in the air.
Such extraordinary cloud formations are the result of high velocity or jet stream winds being
forced over a barrier or mountain. The resultant laminar flow causes the air to move in
wave-like layers as shown in Figure 1. Waves develop above the mountain and on the
leeward side. If the air contains sufficient moisture, characteristic standing-wave lenticular
clouds will form.
Mountain wave activity is usually present
in the vicinity of lenticular cloud formations.
Mountain wave patterns may extend as
much as several hundred miles downwind
of a mountain range. A wave may repeat
itself several times with amplitude and
intensity
decreasing
over
distance.
Satellite photographs of the Rocky
Mountains have shown mountain waves
extending as far as 700 miles downwind of
the range. Along the east coast area of
the United States, such photographs of the
Appalachian chain show that mountain
wave activity can exist over 100 miles
eastward. Mountain wave activity may
exist from the surface up through the
tropopause
and
into
the
lower
stratosphere.
Rotor clouds often form in the vicinity of
lenticular formations and mountain wave
activity. These small cumulus-like puffs
form below the mountain ridge and are
indicative of high velocity rotary air
circulation beneath the wave crests. Rotor
clouds, like lenticulars, often appear
stationary because they are constantly
forming in the updraft and dissipating in
the downdraft. At times, rotor clouds may
blend in with associated lenticular
formations. When present, they are a sure
indication of extremely turbulent rotary air
circulation and highly unstable conditions.

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When mountain wave activity and lenticular cloud formations are present, expect
turbulence. Dramatic changes in airspeed, altitude, and pitch attitude may be experienced.
The associated turbulence can be extremely disconcerting. Personal injury to passengers
and crew could result from penetrating such airspace. Crews should be cautious of
potential overspeed conditions during cruise. When operating in turbulence, crews should
avoid flying at or near the airplane's maximum aerodynamic ceiling. A cruise altitude with
an aerodynamic ceiling which allows for a 1.5 g loading should be maintained.
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of the mountain wave development with standing
lenticular and rotor cloud formations. When the air contains sufficient moisture, such
characteristic clouds will form above and downwind of a mountain when high velocity winds
are present.
Lenticular clouds may not always be
present to visually identify potential
One of the most dangerous features of mountain
turbulence and mountain wave activity. If
waves is the turbulent area in & below rotor
the air is too dry, lenticular clouds will not
clouds Never fly in this area !
form. However, crews should anticipate
possible mountain wave turbulence when
strong winds of 40 knots or greater are present in the vicinity of a mountain or mountain
range, even in clear air.
REMEMBER ONLY ONE THING :

Lenticular altocumulus clouds of the standing-wave type are shown here in the vicinity of
Mount Rainier in upstate Washington (see Figure 2). They form orthographically above or
downwind of a hill or mountain and are the product of very strong winds which pass around
or through the cloud while the cloud formation itself remains stationary. The clouds
continuously form in the updrafts and dissipate in the downdrafts. They may change their
position, shape, or size in a very short period of time. Flight conditions in the vicinity of such
formations are usually extremely turbulent.
Cirrocumulus standing lenticular clouds (CCSL) have
formed above 30,000 feet and are visible in the
upper portion of the photograph (Figure 2). Just
below, are altocumulus standing lenticular clouds
(ACSL) at about 25,000 feet. Rotor clouds, although
difficult to see in this photograph, are present in the
form of small cumulus-like clouds in the lower right
and left. Rotor clouds usually form below the
elevation of the mountain peaks and are often
indicative of high rotary air circulation. Lenticular
clouds often form in layers above the rotor clouds
and may form as high as 40,000 feet.

Figure 1

Figure 3 reveals the exquisite and finely sculptured

lenticular clouds close up. They are the same clouds
shown in Figure 2. Note their smooth appearance
and feathered edges. The wind's laminar flow is
evidenced by the clouds multi-layered formation.
Figure 2
The extreme brilliance of the white light is the direct
reflection of sunlight to the observer. In this case, the sun is directly behind the viewer. An
observer located on the opposite side of the formation would likely view it as gray and far
less spectacular. Although uniquely beautiful, inflight penetration would not be prudent.
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SUMMARY

Lenticular altocumulus clouds of the standing wave type are indicative of very high
velocity winds, potential mountain wave activity and turbulent flight conditions.

Such developments may exist at any time of the year. However, as jetstream
velocities become considerably stronger in the mid-latitudes during winter and early
spring, such activity should be expected with greater frequency - and dealt with
appropriately.

Smaller scale turbulence in the vicinity of smooth lee waves is often made visible by
the sawtooth appearance of shearing gravity waves on lenticular clouds. Avoid ACSL
with ragged edges !

To avoid mountain wave activity, change your route. If this is not possible, change
your altitude away from the most likely layers of turbulence

When winds are strong, beware of significant turbulence downwind of isolated peaks.

In potential mountain wave areas, watch your altimeter, especially at night. Vertical
motions in lee waves may be strong, resulting in large altitude excursions (altimeter
readings may be inaccurate in strong lee waves).

Moutain wave accident (see NTSB data) :

-

United Airlines / Boeing 737-291 / N999UA / Colorado Springs USA / March 3,1991
USAir / Boeing 737-3B7 / N5513AU / Pittsburgh region USA / September 8, 1994

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