Zach Uttech

Growing up in Beaver Dam, WI Zach Uttech was always fascinated by the day-to-day and season-to-season volatility of weather. He quickly developed a passion for winter weather and had a desire to understand why snowstorms and other meteorological phenomena occurred. Zach received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, then came to UW–Milwaukee to complete his Masters and work at Innovative Weather. He was with IW from November of 2011 until April of 2012, when he completed his graduate study. During that time, Zach worked many severe weather situations, but one in particular stands out. "My most memorable forecasting experience at IW was when a bow-echo squall line of thunderstorms moved across southern Wisconsin during the summer of 2011. This line of severe storms produced wind gusts over 70 mph and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. For this specific event, we were able to forecast, for our clients, the potential for severe thunderstorms several days in advance which allowed them ample time to prepare. It was a very rewarding experience when I saw our forecasts come to fruition and we were able to notify Lake Express (one of our clients) of the impending danger a few hours before it arrived. Provided with this information, Lake Express moved their ferry away from the Lake Michigan coastline before the severe winds hit ' thereby preventing potential damage from rocks and other near-shore obstacles." Zach was immediately hired as a Meteorologist Intern at the National Weather Service office in Great Falls, Montana upon completion of his Master's degree.