Advanced Wind Estimation for high heights/elevations (agl)

An additional capability of Advanced Wind Estimate (AWE) is the ability to estimate winds at different heights (above ground level). Examples include high-rise buildings, the top of a construction rig, power lines… or any structure that is higher than the “standard” wind estimation level of 10 meters (33 feet). This is not designed to calculate winds for high terrain (mountains, etc.) as there are many other factors that come in to play in those regions.

As mentioned above the Hurrtrak system normally calculates winds at a 33 foot level… which the worldwide standard for wind instruments, etc. To setup a location for a higher elevation/height you would enter the height information (feet) into the “Elevation for wind estimates” field within the location maintenance section of the System Setup options. See an example below of where we created several locations (at the same site) with varying elevations. (You can enter elevations up to 1000 feet).

Since the elevation/height information is not included on the impact reports, we suggest you keep all of your elevated locations in a separate location group or include the elevation information as part of the location’s name (as we did in the above image).

When you run the Location Wind Impact Report (or any report) these locations will now show winds at the height you defined. The example below is for the same locations with varying heights.

As you can clearly see the wind speed forecast increase with height as expected. What might be a Cat 1 storm near the surface can be a Cat 3 wind at 500 feet. As with any of the AWE estimates, the wind speed values should be used with some care. See the AWE Topic for more information.