Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What are the maximum wind speeds that Foehn winds can reach in the specified areas?

1. 60-70 mph

2. 75-80 mph

3. 80-90 mph

4. 90-100 mph

The correct answer is: 80-90 mph

Foehn winds are dry, warm winds that occur on the leeward side of mountains, often leading to rapid increases in temperature and changes in humidity. These winds can reach significant speeds due to the orographic lifting process, where moist air ascends the windward side of a mountain range, cools, and loses moisture before descending as warmer, drier air on the leeward side. The correct choice reflects the upper range of wind speeds that can be experienced with Foehn winds, which typically can reach speeds between 80 to 90 mph in certain areas. These strong winds are particularly notable in regions with steep topography, where the effects of pressure gradients can cause increased wind speeds upon descending the mountains. In contrast, the other options present wind speed ranges that are either below or above what is commonly associated with Foehn winds in those specific areas. Foehn winds can exceed 80 mph, yet they may not frequently reach the upper extremes of the other ranges presented, such as those in the 90-100 mph category, which would be more characteristic of severe storm conditions rather than typical Foehn winds. Understanding this helps illustrate the dynamics involved in Foehn wind formation and their impact on local weather