Keys to differentiating between small- and large-drop icing conditions in continental clouds

Using observations from research aircraft flights over the Great Lakes region, synoptic and mesoscale environments that appear to drive a relationship between liquid water content, drop concentration, and drop size are investigated. In particular, conditions that fell within “small drop” and “large drop” regimes are related to cloud and stability profiles, providing insight regarding whether the clouds are tied to the local boundary layer. These findings are supported by analysis of flight data from other parts of North America and used to provide context for several icing incidents and accidents where large-drop icing was noted as a contributing factor. The relationships described for drop size discrimination in continental environments provide clues that can be applied for both human- and model-generated icing forecasts, as well as automated icing algorithms.