East winds

There was some talk about the possibility of a weak-moderate downslope wind event last night as SE large-scale flow and a weak but significant cross-barrier pressure gradient setup over the Wasatch Range.  Indeed, we did see some enhanced easterlies.  For example, the WBB had a peak easterly gust of about 19 m/s (times in the image below MDT).

Student meteorologists often forget to look "east" from time to time and consider the possibility gap or downslope winds.  This is a nice reminder to keep an eye on things, especially when there is a closed low over the southwest or high pressure penetrating into SW WY and NE UT.