This project will develop Nowcast/Forecast Tools for industry and resource management agencies to help improve winter transportation network operations. The climate modeling methods used to develop these tools are in common use for other applications (such as weather forecasting, trucking and freight industries), but have not been adapted to serve the unique needs of winter oil and gas transportation networks on the North Slope. Techniques resulting from this project will help improve field mobilization efforts and lengthen winter operating seasons. State and federal land managers can respond more efficiently by having real-time access to field conditions. These combined approaches will lead to more effective oil and gas transportation networks, cost savings for both industry and agencies, and improved environmental protection. Cooperating partners in this project include ConocoPhillips Alaska, Bureau of Land Management, Minerals Management Service, National Weather Service, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
