Digital imagery from the SMS 2 geostationary satellite was recorded for analysis in support of the Sierra Cooperative Pilot Project. Imagery of five storms during the 1976 77 and 1977 78 seasons of the project were analyzed. Results show the highest precipitation and lowest cloud top temperatures below 35° C occur about one or two hours ahead of the surface cold front within the frontal band. Following the frontal passage an unstable convective orographic...