On the day prior to each nuclear weapons test, a formal detailed
briefing was given to the Test Director, the Test Manager, and his
Advisory Panel covering all foreseeable ways in which weather might
influence the success and safety of the test.

All such briefings

included wind speeds and direction predictions to at least the maximum cloud height obtainable, expected changes in wind during the day,
thermal stability, clouds, precipitation, trajectories of aerosols, the
effect of wind and thermal structure on the diffusion and deposition
of effluent materials, and the maximum radiation dosages that could
conceivably result on and off the Test Site.

Changes, if any, from these

predictions were presented et one or more subsequent briefings just
prior to arming each device.

Radiological Surveillance -

Routine programs were conducted continuously within a radius of
approximately 300 miles from the Nevada Test Site by the U. S. Public
Health Service.

During each nuclear event, the capability for monitor-

ing in the downwind area is intensified.
Aircraft Monitoring
The U. S,. Public Health Service owned and operated two aircraft
for cloud sampling.

Each aircraft carried equipment to collect airborne

activity both particulate and gaseous.
continucusly-

Both planes carried equipment for

monitoring the gamma radiation.

Additional U. S. Air

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