What do the Freezing Level (FL) graphs mean?
The freezing level graphs show provide a graphical representation of the altitude (elevation) at which the temperature is a freezing point. Where this coicides with the elevation of the ground, any precipitation is likely to fall as snow and fresh water will freeze. The two upper and lower lines on the freezing level graphs indicate the top and bottom lifts in the ski resort that is being viewed. When the freezing level graph is above the elevation of the lift station, conditions can expected to be bad due to thawing. The numbers along the horizontal lines indicate the temperature for each forecast period at that elevation. Sometimes the temperature on the ground is below freezing, but the graph shows that the freezing level is higher. FL sample Bad Gastein FL Graph 10/12/04 The graph above shows an example of this. Somethimes the free-air freezing level can be at 2000m but at 0m it can still get below freezing at night without cooling a 2000m column of air (there simply isn’t time). F
The freezing level graphs show provide a graphical representation of the altitude (elevation) at which the temperature is a freezing point. Where this coicides with the elevation of the ground, any precipitation is likely to fall as snow and fresh water will freeze. The two upper and lower lines on the freezing level graphs indicate the top and bottom lifts in the ski resort that is being viewed. When the freezing level graph is above the elevation of the lift station, conditions can expected to be bad due to thawing. The numbers along the horizontal lines indicate the temperature for each forecast period at that elevation. Sometimes the temperature on the ground is below freezing, but the graph shows that the freezing level is higher. Bad Gastein FL Graph 10/12/04 The graph above shows an example of this. Somethimes the free-air freezing level can be at 2000m but at 0m it can still get below freezing at night without cooling a 2000m column of air (there simply isn’t time). Free-air FL
