Tornadoes and Long-Lived Supercell // Western Nebraska // 27 April 2025

 A long-lived cyclic tornadic supercell developed during the late afternoon over western Nebraska on April 27, 2025 and moved northeast across Cherry County through the first half of the night. Robust lee-side cyclogenesis occurred downstream from an emerging southwesterly upper-level jet streak, with strong surface pressure falls yielding an intense ageostrophic response that caused moisture to surge north and west across the Central High Plains. Favorable ascent and low-level moisture advection offset boundary layer cooling through the evening transition causing CIN to remain fairly minimal after dark. In addition, low-level hodograph structure became exceptionally favorable for a strong to violent tornadic supercell. I jumped on the storm of the day well before it became a supercell, with the first echo showing up on radar just west of Ogallala, Nebraska during mid afternoon. Model guidance showed that this initially weak cell would encounter an exceptionally volatile environment by 7pm, so I headed north from Ogallala and followed the cell as it drifted across the Sandhills.

 Radar showed the cell intensifying as several ancillary cells merged with it from the south. This occurred during the 6-7pm (Central Time) period, and I was located due east in Hyannis. I subsequently drove west on Highway 2, the updraft base came into view, showing obvious signs of strong rotation. Several tornadoes formed shortly thereafter, but Sandhills and a very limited road network along with sporadic large to very large hail kept me from gaining an optimal view, though I still got a few pictures taken from the north-northeast. A strong and large circulation developed toward 7pm (Central Time), and I did the best I could to view it safely. This circulation evolved into a massive mile wide tornado, and I got some good video of its edge, though again, hills and roads prevented better video/photography. I also briefly got caught inside the outer rain curtains of the wedge, which was a heart pounding moment, but I exited quickly and all was well.

 The large tornado flipped over a train, which I photographed quickly and then departed back to Hyannis and then headed north on Highway 61. After 10 miles of driving I was back in front of the updraft, which developed a new circulation that evolved into a nice stationary cone tornado. This tornado lasted 5-10 minutes and my pictures turned out great. I then retreated back to Hyannis, drove east to Mullen, and then north on Highway 97 for a third intercept. It was now after dark, and I drove up to the edge of an intense circulation viewed via radar, but dared not venture any further north given the poor road network and little opportunity to view an approaching tornado in the dark. I let the long-lived supercell move north past Valentine, which I followed safely behind, and then began driving east on Highway 20 to get in position for the next days chase.

Pictures and weather data are posted below. 

One of several initial weak tornadoes west of Hyannis, Nebraska.

Strengthening low-level mesocyclone with classic wall cloud and tail cloud.

Large tornado developing west of Hyannis, Nebraska.

Southern edge of mile wide tornado west of Hyannis, Nebraska.

Train flipped over by a large tornado west of Hyannis, Nebraska.

Cone shaped tornado north of Hyannis, Nebraska.

Long-lived supercell updraft/mesocyclone in Cherry County.

250 mb objective analysis valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

500 mb objective analysis valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

700 mb objective analysis valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

850 mb objective analysis valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

925 mb objective analysis valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

Surface observations valid 00Z 28 April 2025.

A RAP proximity sounding located southeast of the tornadic supercell valid at 00Z 28 April 2025.

Base reflectivity valid during the time of the mile wide tornado.

Storm-relative velocity valid during the time of the mile wide tornado.

Leprechaun and Blarney Slot Canyons // Utah

 I spent the night camped along a highway a bit downroad from Sandthrax during mid April and then explored Leprechaun and Blarney slot canyons the next morning. Both slots are unique, offering different formations, lighting, and challenges. I entered both from the bottom canyon sections and worked my way up-canyon until technical obstacles stopped my progress. Although I didn't experience the entirety of both slots, I still had a pretty good adventure. Leprechaun in particular became exceptionally narrow in places...I barely was able to squeeze through, and in fact some spots required me to turn sideways at a sloped angle for an extended distance through a very dark chamber. I also had to wade through knee deep water in a second dark chamber, and this is where I took my best pictures of the day. Otherwise, Blarney offered more boulders to climb over, which I accomplished, but then was stopped dead in my tracks at a 10-15 foot overhanging vertical section that would be better to rappel down instead of climbing up. These are fun slots to explore, and would be even more so if equipped with technical climbing gear.

General Google Map location of both slots is here. 

Jacob Hamblin Arch // Utah

 I hiked ~7 miles down Hurricane Wash followed by a scenic creek-way that led to Jacob Hamblin Arch. The hike itself was fairly pleasant desert trekking, and the terrain became more interesting the closer I got to the arch...for example, a giant alcove arched outward above the creek about half a mile from the arch. I made it to the arch in 2.5 hours, then spent about 30-45 minutes exploring the arch and taking pictures from all angles. I'm sure the photography changes during the day based on sun angle. My pictures reflect approximately high noon. I then made my way back up the trail, reached my truck, drove 30+ miles down a dusty Utah road (the road itself is not bad...there are far worse in Utah!), then drove into Escalante for a post-hike pizza and beer celebration at Escalante Outfitters (my favorite spot in that town).

Google map of Jacob Hamblin Arch can be found here. 

Bryce Canyon National Park // Utah

 I spent portions of two days exploring Bryce Canyon National Park right around the start of April. I got to experience a sunset, sunrise, and two different hikes of moderate length. Sunrise was very epic, which I viewed from various positions at Inspiration Point. After sunrise I hiked down through Wall Street via the Navajo Loop Trail, and then branched off onto Peekaboo Loop. Peekaboo is an outstanding trail that I personally feel is a must-do as it offers stunning views of otherworldly geological sandstone formations. Otherwise, Rainbow Point was another good vantage point for sunset/sunrise views. All-in-all Bryce is an awesome park experience, though the crowds were pretty thick, and I can only imagine they'll be thicker going deeper into the tourist season.

A Google Map of Bryce National Park can be found here.