This seminar provides an overview of Intermountain precipitation processes and prediction. Although it has been argued that topography enhances mesoscale predictability, the skill of numerical weather prediction models is lower over the complex terrain of Intermountain West than any other region of the U.S. We will review the causes for this poor model skill and then use recent findings from the Intermountain Precipitation Experiment (IPEX) to probe the kinematic and microphysical structure of Wasatch Mountain Winter Storms. Finally, we will examine Great Salt Lake-effect snowstorms, including a discussion of the unique aspects of lake-effect processes over a small, hypersaline body of water and a comparison with similar snowstorms produced by the Great Lakes. Although it will remain unclear if Utah really receives the "greatest snow on Earth," it is hoped that the seminar will at least provide the audience with an introduction to an appreciation for Intermountain precipitation processes and forecast problems.

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