Table 1. This table shows the type of moist convection that may be associated with a range of NCAPE values in northern California. Favorable terrain would include elevated mountainous areas and the regions in proximity to this, and surface convergent zones induced by topography and surface boundaries. Unfavorable terrain refers to the central and southern Sacramento Valley.
| NCAPE range of values | If favorable terrain, or if associated with short wave in unfavorable terrain | If associated with short wave or strong surface forcing in favorable terrain |
| <
0.03 Cases A*, B, C, H* |
Cumulus or cumulus congestus, isolated to widely scattered showers | Numerous cumulus, isolated to scattered showers, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms |
| 0.04 to 0.08 Cases A, D, E, F, G, H, I |
Numerous cumulus congestus, scattered showers, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms | Numerous showers, scattered thunderstorms, isolated to widely scattered severe possile |
| 0.09 to 0.13 Cases J, K |
Scattered to numerous showers, widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms, severe possible | Numerous thunderstorms, isolated to scattered strong thunderstorms, severe potential for strongest storms |
| 0.14 or higher Cases L, M |
Thunderstorms likely, some strong and possibly severe | Numerous thunderstorms, scattered strong thunderstorms, a few severe thunderstorms probable |
* Case A sounding for Redding and Sacramento
*Case H sounding for Sacramento