How CANL Works:

The CANL index is designed to indicate weather conditions dangerous to newborn livestock, especially calves. The criteria for the index were derived from interviews with ranchers and from scientific research on the topic.
Based on this research, the following elements are dangerous at some level to exposed newborns:

  Windchill
  Rain or Wet Snow
  High Humidity (because it makes it more difficult for newborns to dry-off)
  Combinations of these elements (such as windchill and rain) are particularly dangerous

If the following conditions are met within a 6-hour period, the associated index and advisory will be:

   None:     Wind Chill above 41 degrees
   Slight:   Wind Chill below 41 degrees for more than 2 hours.
   Mild:     Wind Chill below 32 degrees for more than 2 hours.
   Moderate: Wind Chill below 0 degrees for more than 2 hours.
             or Wind Chill below 36 degrees and more than .02 inches of precip.
   Severe:   Wind Chill below -9 degrees for more than 2 hours
             or Wind Chill below 34 degrees and more than .05 inches of precip.
   Extreme:  Wind Chill below -18 degrees for more than 2 hours
             or Wind Chill below 32 degrees for 2 hours and more than 0.1 inches of precip.
For sunny conditions (ave sky cover < 40%), reduce Wind Chill thresholds by 10 degrees
For humid conditions (min RH > 95%), increase Wind Chill thresholds by 10 degrees
For dry snow (Max Temp. < 26 degrees), double the precipitation thresholds for Moderate-Extreme

CANL is currently generated at 4am and 4pm with updates at 10am and 10pm if needed.
Forecasts are made for the next six 6 hour periods.