From Forks to Fauntleroy: Aftermath of weather balloon’s fall

Following up on the NOAA weather balloon that came down to earth in Fauntleroy the other day (here’s our previous report) … tipster Michael shares word of the aftermath. Above, a Seattle City Light crew came to untangle the recyclable data-gathering device from the “primary” electric line that snagged it; below, remains of the balloon, including a note about where it was launched and when…

If you couldn’t read it – Michael points out it was sent up from Forks near the northwestern Washington coast (140+ miles away) and dated the same day it came down in Fauntleroy – November 13th. In case you ever see one – NOAA even includes a postage-paid bag with the balloons, in hopes of increasing the 20 percent return rate.

dsa November 15, 2013 (1:53 pm)

Thanks for reporting on this. I found it to be educational.

WSB November 15, 2013 (2:44 pm)

Me too! Had NO idea these were sent up all over the country every day, and are so short-lived.

22blades November 16, 2013 (6:32 pm)

The UIL denotes a launch from Quillayute Airport just west of Forks at 1200 GMT or 4 am local time on the 13th. I believe these very devices from Quillayute are the first look at the upper winds in the entire lower 48 states short of ones launched from ships. What I wonder about is who launches them? The weather station there is automated now. Is there “some guy” in a van?

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