980731 - This was another Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone (DCVZ)
intercept.  Atmospheric conditions were moist with a moderate cap in a weak
0-6 km shear profile.  The westward moving DCVZ was first intercepted two
miles west of Strasburg on US36.  Over the course of three hours over two
dozen east-west transects were completed along US36.  A three degree
Centigrade moisture gradient (15-18C) over a distance of 0.3km was
initially observed and sustained throughout the sampling period.  Strong
southerly surface winds to 24kts were observed on the east side of the
convergence zone, with 10kt northerly flow on the west.  This wind shift
varied in width from 0.3km-1km.  Several shear eddies were encountered on
the west side of the boundary, as well as two meso lows moving northward
along the boundary.  Most notable was that the convergence zone would move
westward at 10-13m/s for several kilometers before becoming stationary.
The boundary would remain stationary for 20-25 minutes before resuming
its westward track.  We observed this cycle several times.

Convective temperature was not realized on this day.  A weak shortwave
moving across northern Colorado helped to initiate deep convection over the
foot hills.  This convection sent out an eastward moving ouflow boundary
and avil that would force convection along the DCVZ but, given a warm
temperature regime aloft, the TCU quickly glaciated and dissipated.  No
severe activity was associated with this DCVZ.