Atlas Site - Pawnee National Grasslands
Saturday January 3rd, 2009
Launch Summary
A valient attempt to start the new year with lofting a few was unfortunately thrawted by Mother Nature. Steady winds on the ground in the teens to gusts in the twenties coming in hard from the north brought the cold temps to almost unreasonable low levels of comfort. Thanks to Ken Reilly for making the trek and towing the trailer to and from. When the weather service confirmed the likely prolonged continuance of wind and cold, the decision to scrubb the day was made and the waiver was de-activated. For what it's worth, scattered snow-showers during the drive home made it a little easier to justify the early abort calls.
Weather Conditions
Disturbing but pretty accurate re-vised weather forecasts doomed the day. Predicted high winds and below freezing temperatures kept all but the foolishly optimistic from venturing out to the Atlas Site for a frostbit view of the praiire and leather clad bovine bunkered down against the wind.
