NUCAPS Gridded Data Suggestions

When trying to evaluate the NUCAPS gridded data for CAPE, I ran into a few issues when trying to get the proper levels to display data.  Generally, with model data, we will try to load the Sfc based, ML (mixed-layer - 0-1km), or MU (most unstable) CAPE values.  Unfortunately, those values are not available in the gridded data, leading to difficulty in coming up with a proper lifting level that isn't below the surface.

For example, looking at the 19Z NUCAPS data, the only available data is for the traditional pressure levels.  Thus, with the varying surface locations based off pressure level, you're left trying to guess what level you want to look at.

1000mb NUCAPS Gridded CAPE

925mb NUCAPS Gridded CAPE

Also, with the surface values being extremely important to the calculation of CAPE, not capturing the data at near the surface will have a large influence on the CAPE values.  Notice how much lower the 925mb CAPE values are compared to the RAP surface based data.

 

20Z RAP Sfc Based CAPE

All in all, having a simplified option for displaying CAPE that matches the traditional values would be very helpful for future use by forecasters.

-GOB