Today presented a very challenging and frustrating situation on launch. The weak ridge surpressing moisture was aligned from SW to NE across the SW portion of Utah extending into central Utah. Monroe Peak was unfortunately on the moist side of this line by only 20 miles.
The task committee and meet director chose to close the launch within 3 minutes of the official open. This was due to a relatively shallow cumulus line developing directly on course line. Within 20 minutes, the line was dropping out in a somewhat benign fashion, but with a single lightening strike in the distance and the psychological factor of the sky just looking very border-line, the task remained on hold for another hour until the day was canceled.
The meet director deliberated on canceling the next day, given the forecast was for considerable more moisture and instability over the entire lower half of the state of Utah.
A conference call was initiated to incorporate the opinions of what would likely happen for Saturday, July 30. Those on the call were seasoned forecasters and a Professor of Atmospheric Science from the University of Utah, all who are familiar with reviewing and forecasting monsoonal conditions in the state. The consensus was that Saturday would not yield a soarable window from noon through 4pm, which would be the earliest a task window could be executed within.
Hence, the competition is officially over and the awards ceremony with commence a day early.
Closing thoughts to follow on another post.
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