On Friday, November 3rd, the front range of the Rockies experienced classic lenticular clouds as a result of Trapped Lee Waves. We've gathered data, images, and some insight to help you explore and understand the mountain weather behind the phenomena.

This is a lenticular cloud over the Boldmethod Office in Boulder, Colorado. It's formed by the mountains behind it, but they can extend hundreds of miles downwind.

Lenticular clouds form as air moves over mountain peaks, created by a localized area of cresting and crashing air currents.

Lenticular clouds are typically found just above mountain peak height all the way up to 15,000 feet above peak height, downwind of the mountain range. In order to form a trapped lee wave with lenticular clouds, you need 3 things:

1) Cross-barrier winds of at least 20 knots

2) Moderately stable atmosphere

3) Shear Ratio Greater than 1.6

The shear ratio is a way to compare the winds above the mountain peaks, to the winds at mountain peak height. Today the winds at peak height (12,000 ft. MSL) are 19 knots, and the winds at 6,000 feet above peak height are 33 knots, the shear ratio is 1.7 (33 / 19 = 1.73), and the likelihood of a lenticular cloud forming increases.

Make better decisions flying around terrain this fall.

It's easy to think that mountain weather only happens in places like the Rockies. But the hills of Eastern Ohio can produce the same types of weather year-round. If you've ever flown near the Appalachians, you probably experienced mountain weather, even if you didn't realize it was happening.

Whether you're flying on the East Coast, the Coastal Ranges of California, or any of the rough terrain in between, Boldmethod's Mountain Weather course makes you confident and comfortable flying around the mountains.

You'll learn how to evaluate mountain weather during your planning and while you're in flight. You'll also learn how terrain generates updrafts, downdrafts, turbulence, and storms, and changes the direction of the wind throughout the day.

Plus, for less than the cost of a cross-country flight, you get lifetime access to tools that increase your confidence and make your flights more fun.

Ready to get started? Click here to purchase Mountain Weather now.