LAP CAPE Showing Spots Of Data Within GFS-Dominated Sampling Area.

The upper left image below shows LAP CAPE values in spots across the Pendleton, OR CWA at 1700 UTC. The cursor readout shows spotty values ranging from about 300 J/kg to 750 J/kg. The LI values ranged from -1 to -3 as well in these spots. These were in spots that mainly had cloudy sky sampling. The GFS sampling did not show any CAPE and positive LI values, which seems to be underestimating (again).

The modified 1200 UTC sounding below from Boise, ID shows CAPE values around 860 J/kg. This was adjusted for surface and low level temperature and dew point temperature profiles around 1800 UTC in north central portions of the Pendleton, OR CWA. The 860 J/kg may be overdone somewhat, as the low levels of the sounding may need further refinement as the afternoon progresses. Still, the LAP CAPEs of 300 J/kg to 750 J/kg in the small points across the area seem reasonable, compared to the 1200 UTC Boise ID modified sounding. I would be more confident to assume that the LAP CAPE values were located across a good portion of the forecast area. JJW