Jim wrote:
I came across Dr Jack's BLIPMAP forecast page
http://www.drjack.net/BLIPMAP/NE/index.html
Probably a lot of good information if you know how to use it (and some very
pretty maps), but also not exactly intuitive and slightly overwhelming.
Anybody find good use of this material, and in an orderly process how do you
proceed to a practical forecast of what may happen thermal wise today at
your gliderport?

Jim,

First, look at the "For New Users" section of
http://www.drjack.net/BLIPMAP/help.html

Second, how you use them depends to some degree on your weather
knowledge, your area, and your previous experience. Personally, for
where I live, I first look at the "Height of BL Top" prediction to see
if further investigation is worthwhile, and if it is then check out the
"W*" plot, the "Cumulus Potential" plot, and -- since this can be
important in my area -- the "Convergence" plot to see if they also look
good. Often that is enough, but other times I will also feel the need
to also look at other predictions, for example the "Buoyancy/Shear
Ratio" plot if I think the windspeeds may be strong or the "Cumulus
Cloudbase" if I think BL clouds might be a problem. Your needs may vary
- for instance, over the Nevada desert the "Overdeveopment" predictions
become important and should also be checked.

Jack