Chase: June 24, 2023

by Eric

Details

LocationMapleton, Pemberton, Waseca (Minnesota)
StartJune 24, 2023 2:39PM
EndJune 24, 2023 6:45PM
FeaturesWall cloud, funnel, inflow

Overview

After dropping my kids off with relatives near Mankato, I headed east to position myself in a few areas that were showing some potential for activity. SPC’s Slight categorical just barely nicked the lower portion of the state as well as a 5% tornado outlook, and I knew I was already getting a late start to a chase. I wasn’t able to log forecast details for this trip, but will for future events. I recall there were significant features of the soundings I pulled that day showing relatively uncapped, strong CAPE and moderate shear & SRH for the area that led me to setup in the Waseca area. As I parked to strategize, a cell was rapidly forming just ahead of me which ended up producing a funnel. I raced to get ahead of it, but it ultimately lost strength fizzled out.

Forecast

Route

Photos

Shelf cloud approaching my start location
Beautiful inflow (right) and wall cloud off in the distance (left). Right about when this picture was taken, the cell was tornado warned and several spotters confirmed a funnel. From my location, I couldn’t confirm any sustained rotation, but very likely this was what caused the warning.
Obviously in the right area! …but just a bit behind it; racing to get ahead of the cell.
View of the meso with wall cloud. At this point, updraft and rotation were apparent and significant
A better view of the wall cloud with lots of scud below it. Lots of lift and rotation.
The funnel cloud had definitely dissipated by this point
View inside my truck. Quite a bit of activity on radar, but mostly widespread rain and some pockets of hail.

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